DESC's financial 'challenges' outlined

Department 'should' remain within budget

The Department of Education, Sport and Culture 'should' remain within budget for the current financial year, but it has been 'challenging'.

That's according to the executive summary of the DESC's month-end financial report for January.

The document has been included in the response to a Tynwald question for written reply (question 31, starting on page 12).

Two of the major facilities run by the department - the NSC and the Villa Gaiety complex - are expected to overspend by £400,000 and £300,000, respectively.

For the NSC, the major refurbishment of the swimming pool and ongoing wrangling over the leisure pool have had a big impact.

Five primary schools are currently showing overspends - Foxdale, Henry Bloom Noble, Onchan, Peel Clothworkers and the Bunscoill - while Ramsey Grammar School is fighting to remain within budget thanks to what are termed 'excessive staffing levels'.

Looking ahead to the next financial year, the document says the pay award already in place for teachers effectively leaves a £500,000 shortfall which the department must meet within its existing staffing budget: the outcome of the dispute with teaching unions could have a further impact on this.