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Dept for Education and Employment

Answer

Mr. Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is his estimate of the cost of administering Standards Fund grants in (a) his Department and (b) local education authorities over the period of the Comprehensive Spending Review. [132410] Ms Estelle Morris: No figures are available of the administrative costs of the Standards Fund. The Government have recognised the need to restrict the burden on schools as the size of the Fund has grown. The Department is reviewing the arrangements for the Standards Fund in consultation with schools, Local Education Authorities and other interested parties. As a result of the review changes will be made to simplify the operation of the Standards Fund from April 2001, details of which will be announced in the Autumn. The main changes resulting from the review will involve reducing the paperwork by simplifying the mechanics of payment and accounting; encouraging an approach focused on outcomes; giving schools and local authorities greater spending freedom; sharing timely management information, and spreading best practice.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

354 c853W; 132410

Session

1999-00

Subjects

Administration Costs Finance Education Local education authorities Standards Fund

Contains statistics

Yes

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk