Council 'Must do Better' say Lib Dems as schools are left waiting for financial reports

4.30.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Sun 12th Jul 2009

Schools have been left waiting for important financial reports by Bedford Borough Council

Schools in Bedford Borough have not received any financial reports from the new Council, causing difficulties for schools trying to manage their budgets without key monitoring information. Local schools should receive monthly reports from the Council, but have yet to receive any since the financial year began in April. Liberal Democrats raised the matter at a meeting of the Council's Children's Services Policy Review and Development Committee on Thursday night, and received assurances that the first set of reports will be with schools by the the end of the summer term next week.

Commenting, Bedford Borough Liberal Democrat Education Spokesperson and Chair of the Committee Cllr Michael Headley said:

"It is not acceptable that schools have not received any financial reports from the council, several months into the year. It is crucial for schools to have accurate and timely financial information to allow them to manage their budgets. Without this, it is difficult for them to spot any problems which need addressing in the early part of the year and which will only grow if action is not taken.'

"Sadly this is not a good start to the Council's relationship with schools on financial matters. The verdict on the Council's report card at this point is 'must do better.'"