Responding to the details of the Energy Bill Relief Scheme, Leora Cruddas CBE, Chief Executive, said: "We are obviously pleased that the government has announced that public sector organisations, including schools, will receive support in terms of energy costs. This is desperately needed. And the details in the Energy Bill Relief Scheme guidance are welcome.
"However, as we previously indicated, a six-month relief scheme creates its own set of difficulties. Schools and Trusts need budget security over the whole financial year.
"The late announcements on the Teachers’ Pay Award and Support Staff Pay offer has already impacted on fiscal planning for schools and Trusts. Further uncertainty over energy costs in this financial year will impact negatively on the ability of Trusts to make secure financial decisions and exercise financial governance.
"We are committed to working with government to ensure sustainable funding in the short, medium and longer term so that we build a resilient school system in England.
"We also need government to work with us to build an infrastructure for schools and Trusts to ensure energy efficiency, generation, and progress towards net zero as part of the stabilisation of energy resources. And we need government to create a clear path towards the full implementation of the National Funding Formula with an ongoing commitment to engagement, so that quality education is adequately resourced in every school.”
