Schemes for financing schools – section 5

Income

5.1 Income from lettings

Schools are allowed to retain income from lettings of school premises owned by the Authority which would otherwise accrue to the Authority, subject to alternative provisions arising from any joint use or PFI/PPP agreements. Income from lettings of school premises should not be paid into voluntary or private funds held by the school. Schools must ensure that lettings of school premises are not provided at an overall cost to the budget share but may cross-subsidise lettings for community and voluntary use with income from other lettings, provided the governing body is satisfied that this will not interfere to a significant extent with the performance of any duties imposed on them by the Education Acts, including the requirement to conduct the school with a view to promoting high standards of educational achievement. The use of such premises is subject to any directions issued by the Authority as to the appropriate use of school premises as permitted under the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 for various categories of schools.

Income from lettings of school premises should not normally be payable into voluntary or private funds held by the school. However, where land is held by a charitable trust, it will be for the school’s trustees to determine the use of any income generated by the land.

5.2 Income from fees and charges

Schools are allowed to retain income from fees and charges except where a service is provided by the Authority from centrally retained funds. Schools are required to give due regard to any policy statements on charging the Authority may produce.

5.3 Income from fund-raising activities

Schools are allowed to retain income from fund-raising activities.

5.4 Income from the sale of assets

Schools are allowed to retain the proceeds of sale of assets except in cases where the asset was purchased with non-delegated funds (in which case it will be for the Authority to decide whether the school should retain any of the proceeds), or the asset concerned is land or buildings forming part of the school premises and is owned by the Authority.

5.5 Administrative procedures for the collection of income

The procedures for the collection of all income due to the Authority are subject to the continual review of and issuing of appropriate guidance from the Chief Finance Officer.

5.6 Purposes for which income may be used

Income from the sale of assets purchased with delegated funds may only be spent for the purposes of the school.