Agenda item

(a)       That the Committee urges that the education workforce pay award be nationally funded; and

(b)       In its future role, that Welsh Government recognises the importance of fully funding any teachers’ pay award.

The Chief Officer introduced the report detailing estimated costs and current funding position for the national pay awards for teachers and school support staff.  This was an issue of significant concern as cost pressures facing councils and schools meant there was no capacity to absorb any further pay pressures.

The Chief Officer described the situation as ‘severe’ and praised the efforts of the Chief Executive and Leader of the Council in making representations that the Council could not be expected to cover the cost of a national award on which it had little influence.  A high level estimate of Flintshire’s share of additional funding to be provided by Welsh Government (WG) to support the pay increase equated to around 50% of the total bill.  In addition to the pay increase, recent intelligence about a predicted rise in teacher pension employer contribution costs was a cause for further concern.  Attention was drawn to the risks to the financial resilience of schools and potential staffing implications.

Councillor Roberts referred to the Executive Summary of the report and clarified that the teachers’ pay award had not been fully funded in England, as explained fully in paragraph 1.01.  He went on to stress the importance of establishing the principle that those responsible for awarding a pay rise should fund it.

The Finance Manager explained that the rise in teacher pension employer contributions costs was unforeseen and that late information affected the ability of schools and councils to plan effectively.

Councillor Kevin Hughes said that the seriousness of the matter should be conveyed to residents and particularly parents in respect of the implications for young learners.  In thanking the senior officers and Leader for their campaigning, he said there was a collective responsibility on all elected Members to raise awareness of the situation.  He added that whilst he supported the pay increase, the cost should be fully funded.

Whilst David Hÿtch said the pay rise for teachers was long overdue, he questioned what was to be achieved.  He referred to the grade ranges and said that the increases for Upper Pay Scale and Leadership were still well below inflation levels.  He added that the changes would not address problems with recruitment and retention, teacher supply and the differentials between classroom teachers and those at managerial levels.

The Chairman proposed that the Committee support the views expressed that the situation was unacceptable and that the award should be nationally funded whilst the Council continue its campaigning.

Councillor White referred to WG financial support for Airbus and made the point that the education of young people should also be properly funded to help them achieve their employment prospects.

The Chief Officer gave reassurance of regular communications with schools and Head Teachers to share intelligence and offer support on the rapidly changing picture.  The Chairman commented that he was aware of schools’ appreciation for this ongoing dialogue.

The Committee supported alternative resolutions to reflect the concerns raised, in addition to the point made by Councillor Roberts on the future responsibilities of WG.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the Committee urges that the education workforce pay award be nationally funded; and

(b)       In its future role, that Welsh Government recognises the importance of fully funding any teachers’ pay award.