| “The SELB managed to remain within budget in the financial year to March 31, 2005 , only by making a cut of £3.639million in its planned spending for the year. The SELB was forced to make this cut – announced in March 2004 - due to an inadequate financial allocation from the Department of Education. The largest impact of the cut was £3.288million in planned maintenance work.
“The SELB remains greatly concerned at its ability to meet the target of operating within budget in the present financial year ( April 1, 2005 – March 31, 2006 ) given that the under-funding from Government is much more severe than last year.
“The SELB has had to plan to incorporate savings of the magnitude of £7.2million in its service provision to schools in the present financial year.
“Savings are spread across a number of services including Maintenance, Catering, Transport, Headquarters, and the Curriculum Advisory and Support Service.
“The Board has no option but to implement the savings incorporated in its spending plan if it is to meet its target of operating within budget at the end of the financial year.”
The Annual Accounts have been forwarded to the Department of Education, the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, the Department for Employment and Learning and the Northern Ireland Audit Office.
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