Schools could save £400 million a year if they bought equipment and services more sensibly. In Valuable lessons: improving economy and efficiency in schools, a local government national report, the Commission reveals that:
- Schools could save over £400 million a year if they bought equipment and services more sensibly
- Schools are sitting on cash reserves of nearly £2 billion, with two out of five schools transferring across year on year more than the recommended amount
- The English primary and secondary schools’ bill topped £31 billion in 2007/08, an increase of 56 per cent in real terms over the last decade
The Audit Commission concludes that it can’t be sure whether the taxpayer is getting value for money. The report says school inspections focussed on educational standards and what teachers do, which is necessary. They pay less attention to economy and efficiency. Councils also pay insufficient attention to value for money in their support of schools. Many school governors should be tougher in seeking value for the public purse.
Michael O'Higgins, the Chairman of the Commission, said:
'The Commission supports the principle of devolved school budgets and decision making, but taxpayers must be confident that public money is well spent.
'Accountability for spending in schools has been weak possibly because, in the last ten years, the focus has been on results. Ofsted [the schools' inspectorate] is planning to give a higher priority to value for money and we will be pleased to work with it.
'Now, however, is a good time for schools to look for better value from the money they get. Budgets are growing more slowly and schools need to start planning for a more austere future. We believe savings could be made without adversely affecting pupils or their education.'
Guides
The Commission has published a series of guides for head teachers, governors and council staff to help encourage a stronger emphasis on economy and efficiency in schools and which can be downloaded below.
Tools