Clause 44
12:45 pm
Jim Knight (Minister of State (Schools and Learners), Department for Children, Schools and Families; South Dorset, Labour)
Amendment 254 would remove not the requirement to take account of disproportionate expenditure but local authorities’ powers to decide whether disproportionate expenditure would be incurred by delivery of the entitlement—although it is not clear whom the hon. Lady believes should make the decision instead. Local authorities are the bodies responsible for delivering the entitlement and, as such, should be responsible for making the corresponding decisions associated with its delivery. Furthermore, disproportionate expenditure will vary greatly between areas, and, therefore, local authorities are best placed to make that judgement.
We welcome the spirit of amendment 255, which would ensure that the diploma entitlement was delivered and that young people were offered not just the least expensive provision. That is our intention, too. However, the amendment is unnecessary as the diploma is a unique path that is not comparable to any other provision. Furthermore, the Secretary of State will publish statutory guidance on the delivery of the entitlements as we near the date on which they will take effect. The aim of the entitlements is to transform opportunity and achievement for young people, so that all young people are prepared by their education to succeed in life. The Bill introduces a number of measures to achieve that.
Local authorities are already making good progress to deliver the entitlements. By September, 95 per cent. of local authorities, 72 per cent. of schools and 88 per cent. of colleges will be involved in delivering them, and, as I said, local authorities will have to have regard to the Secretary of State’s statutory guidance when exercising their functions under the clause. The guidance will include further clarification on disproportionate expenditure. On the basis of my assurance that we will give authorities guidance, I hope that the hon. Lady will withdraw her amendment.