A REVIEW of controversial plans to reclaim £400,000 from schools in Gloucestershire has been published by a county council scrutiny committee.

Members supported the principal of recovering excess savings taken from running cost budgets – or revenue budgets – to be redistributed across the county.

But they suggested that no ‘clawback’ should take place for the current financial year and that effected schools should be asked to prove how their finances would be better scrutinised in future.

The plans, which were drawn up by Schools Forum statutory body as part of a national government scheme, had been criticised by some schools, who claimed they were keeping the money for building projects.

Among the opponents were Maidenhill headteacher Gary Watson and Severn Vale headteacher Peter Rowland.

Jackie Hall, lead cabinet member for children's services, will decide whether to accept the recommendations.

"We want to be sure that we make the right decision here," she said.

"The schools have told us they are not happy with the process as it stands and we have a duty to examine that process and ensure it is fit for purpose.

"When I make my decision later this month, I will be taking everyone’s comments into account."

The children and young people’s scrutiny committee had stated previously on Monday, November 17 that the clawback process had significant flaws, especially around consultation, clarity and communication.

A consultation on the report ended yesterday, Tuesday, December 16. Cllr Hall will make her decision between today, Wednesday, December 17 and Tuesday, December 23.