Written question asked by David Lock (Labour) on Thursday, 24 June 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 30 June 1999. It was answered by Charles Clarke (Labour) on Wednesday, 30 June 1999 on behalf of the Department for Education and Employment.

Dept for Education and Employment

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, what guidance his Department has issued to local education authorities concerning the proper basis upon which out of school clubs operating out of premises owned by local education authorities should be charged for their use of the premises and associated facilities. - Inc ref to Code of Practice on LEA-School Relations. (Holding answer 29 June 1999).

Answer: Mr. Lock: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what guidance his Department has issued to local education authorities concerning the proper basis upon which out of school clubs operating out of premises owned by local education authorities should be charged for their use of the premises and associated facilities. [R] [88960] Mr. Charles Clarke: [holding answer 29 June 1999]: The Department's advice is currently set out in paragraph 58 of the "Code of Practice on LEA-School Relations". This states that "there may be a natural tendency to maximise profits from lettings to community users. But noting in guidance from LEAs about the costs to be recouped, or in decisions taken by governing bodies + should promote the maximisation of profits at the expense of existing, or potential, benefits to the wider community." Legislation requires that community use is self- financing. A school may not subsidise non-school activities with its own budget. The Department will be issuing further guidance on community use of school facilities later this year.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 334 c222W; 88960
Session: 1998-99
Registered interest declared: Yes
Subjects: Fees and charges Local education authorities Schools After school clubs