Local authorities must submit Section 251 statements each year, in line with statutory guidance. These statements provide transparency around planned and actual spending on education and children's services.
What is the Section 251 Budget Statement?
The budget statement is submitted each spring and shows how much the local authority plans to spend in the following areas:
-
schools budget
-
de-delegated items
-
high needs budget
-
early years budget
-
central provision within the schools budget
-
children and young people's services
It is made up of three sections:
- Early Years Table
- Local Authority Table
- Schools Table
What is the Section 251 Outturn Statement?
The outturn statement is submitted each summer and shows actual spending in the same areas. It includes:
- Education Table
- Children's Services Table
These statements help ensure accountability and support comparisons across local authorities.