Annual Budget Forecast 2017

The ESFA has published details relating to the annual budget forecast, which must be completed by 28 July.

We also share with you some information relating to employer pension schemes.

Justine Greening Returns

Following the election, Justine Greening has been re-appointed as Education Secretary in the new cabinet. For many, there were a number of controversial items in the Conservative Manifesto, but it will be interesting to see how many of these can be brought forward with a minority government. As always, we will continue to ensure you are made aware of any consultation papers and other items relating to education funding.

Academies Budget Forecast Return

The ESFA has now published its guidance for completing and submitting the 2017-2018 budget forecast return. The online form will be available next week. Trusts must complete the return by Friday 28 July 2017. For trusts opening on or after 1 May 2017, the deadline is either 6 weeks from receiving their funding letter or 28 July 2017 whichever is later. The ESFA has published an Excel workbook and guidance to help you prepare for the new online form. The workbook allows you to see the information you need to supply so you can prepare your forecast before you complete the online form.

Local Government Pension Schemes

In conjunction with the Department for Communities and Local Government and the Department for Education, the Local Government Association has published ‘Local Government Pension Scheme – arrangements for academies’. It is intended for schools considering conversion to academy status, academy trusts, Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) and administering authorities. The document includes advice for:

• Academy trusts on preparing to be an LGPS employer, including their role and responsibilities post conversion
• MATs' role in the scheme, including pooling arrangements
• Academies in understanding scheme deficits
• All academies on the  DfE guarantee

Schools engaged in conversion are encouraged to contact their local fund as some variation in policy and approach locally is inevitable.

More Local Government Pension Schemes

A report prepared by PwC,  Options for Academies in the LGPS, has been published by the LGPS Advisory Board. Its publication will enable the Board to engage with key stakeholders including pension funds, actuarial firms and academy trusts as appropriate on the issues raised relating to the administration of the pension schemes.

Teachers’ Pension Scheme

The Annual Service Return template is now available to download from the Employer Portal. If you're an employer who has not yet on-boarded to Monthly Data Collection, you'll have been notified that the template is now available. HM Revenue & Customs require all employers to provide the data required in the template to Teachers' Pensions by the deadline date of Thursday 6 July 2017. For information about the Annual Return process please visit the TPS website. TPS EBulletin – The latest bulletin has information on a number of changes to arrangements, many from April 2017. Use this link to keep up to date.