The publication of key survey data showing how schools have been affected by rising gas and electricity bills has been delayed by ”recent political events” and ministerial changes, the Department for Education has said.
Back in May, schools were asked to fill in a survey setting out how much they are paying for gas and electricity, and whether their contracts were coming to an end, so the DfE could consider what “additional support” it could provide.
The survey closed a month and a half ago, on 2 June, but the results have still not been published, despite the government coming under pressure from shadow ministers and school leaders’ unions.
And now, the DfE has rejected a freedom of information request from Tes to release the results of the survey, saying that it holds the results, but intends to release them in the future.
It said that schools ”rightfully expect to see the results”, but that the general publication of information is a “conveniently planned and managed activity”, and that planned publication has been delayed by “recent political events and the subsequent change to the DfE ministerial team”.
Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), said he did not understand why the publication of “factual” survey results about an issue that would have ”severe financial repercussions to budgets and provision” should be delayed by political changes.
He urged ministers to show a “much greater sense of urgency over this critical matter”.
“We have been in extensive discussions with the DfE about this issue in general, and about the survey specifically, and we would like ministers to show a much greater sense of urgency over this critical matter,” he added.
“We need clear and comprehensible data followed up by action and resources from the government that support schools and colleges through this escalating crisis.”
Labour shadow schools minister Stephen Morgan, who has previously called on the government to release the information in the Commons, said that “missing in action ministers” seemed more concerned with “fighting among themselves” than “securing our children’s futures”.
“School budgets are under pressure as the latest data suggests energy bills have doubled in the first quarter of this year alone. Ministers must set out their plans to support schools in the face of rising costs to ensure there is no further disruption for children in the classroom,” he added.
Almost the entire DfE ministerial team has changed in the past month after a run of resignations and the promotion of the ex-education secretary to chancellor, which in itself was prompted by then chancellor Rishi Sunak’s resignation.
Michelle Donelan, Mr Zahawi’s replacement as education secretary, resigned within two days and was herself replaced by James Cleverly - the third education secretary of the week - on 7 July.
Schools minister Robin Walker also resigned, as did children’s minister Will Quince, who was then re-hired days later and subsequently promoted to Mr Walker’s position.
Energy costs have been consistently raised as a key concern for school leaders throughout this academic year.
A survey in April showed that nearly half (48 per cent) of headteachers said that energy and heating costs were their biggest worry over the next year.
A further survey later in the month showed that schools were having to cut teacher numbers and teaching hours owing to the impact of rising bills.
ASCL has said that some settings are seeing rises of 300 per cent.
The soaring costs have arrived in tandem with other financial pressures, such as catering bills increasing, and footing the bill for recent teacher pay rises.
A DfE spokesperson said: “We know schools are facing cost pressures, in particular rising energy bills.
”Cost increases should be seen in the wider context of funding for schools. In 2022-23, core schools funding will increase by £4 billion compared to 2021-22 - a 7 per cent cash terms per pupil boost. This will help schools to meet wider cost pressures, including energy prices.
“We are also providing schools with tools to help them get the best value for money from their resources, including recommended deals for energy costs and services related to energy.”
