Amalgamation Guidance

Schools that are subject to planned opening, closure, or amalgamation should contact the Schools Statutory Finance Team for advice on particular procedures to be followed.

We have produced this new guidance pack that covers all aspects of schools finances in relation to an amalgamation. In producing this guidance we have included the experiences of schools that have recently amalgamated and brought together best practice from existing procedures. The guidance mainly covers finance but does have some items on general school office administration. We would welcome any comments or suggestions on how we can improve the pack. The Governor Support Team also has a useful detailed guidance note on this topic.

   Amalgamation Pack

KCC Schools Asset Register

This simple Microsoft Excel Asset Register has been devised for use in schools to replace the current red and white KCC Asset Register book, which is not being reprinted. The spreadsheet was developed in conjunction with a working party that included school finance staff from the County Bursar Group. We are not recommending a change to any school that already have a workable system in place, which meets the controls criteria. Therefore the spreadsheet is optional not mandatory.

If you require the Excel spreadsheet please contact Schools Financial Services.

The New Construction Industry Scheme 

From 6 April 2007 schools will be outside of the Construction Industry Scheme.

The Government has passed new legislation regulating the operation of the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) that comes into effect on 6 April 2007.

Schools with a delegated budget will be outside of the new CIS for all construction work where the head teacher or governing body contracts for the construction work.

It is important that all payments for construction work that currently falls within the scheme continue to be paid using the existing procedures up to 5 April 2007

All future payments made on or after 6 April must be paid from the school's own bank account as a normal invoice, and not be sent to Exchequer Services.

Where KCC contracts for construction work the new CIS rules must be followed. Thus the construction works listed below remain within the CIS:

• Emergency maintenance, planned maintenance
• "Classcare"
• Major building works funded centrally

Contracts placed by the governors of voluntary aided schools remain outside of the CIS.

Income Tax

Because Income Tax legislation is often ambiguous and changes regularly, it is essential that schools seek guidance wherever necessary. The manual below explains the tax treatment of benefits and expenses. If you have any enquiries, please contact Bob Lane, Taxation Accountant, on 01622 694568, or e-mail: bob.lane@kent.gov.uk

   Income Tax Manual  (updated May 2012)

Section 52

As these are publicly available documents, these are hosted on KCC's website. To view them, please open the following link:

   Section 52 Statements

Tax Bulletins

Please note: Tax Bulletins No. 1 - 11 are incorporated into the Income Tax Manual.

   Tax Bulletin No. 12

Transitional Grant

  Special Transitional Grant Priority 3 - Music Information Sheet: Revised 22/03/06   Transitional Support Plan 2005-06

VAT Manual

Local Authorities pay VAT on goods and services, but the Authority is entitled to a refund of the difference between the VAT on purchases and the VAT on income. Schools must be aware of the VAT rules. The correct treatment of VAT is important as penalties can be incurred if errors are made. If Customs & Excise make an assessment due to VAT errors, the school is liable for the cost. The guidance below details the treatment of VAT in schools.

  VAT Manual (Updated 29/01/13)

  VAT Package

 Change of the Standard Rate of VAT to 20%

Voluntary Fund

  School Voluntary Fund Guidance

  School Voluntary Fund Appendices