SCHOOLS becoming academies could save a council almost £1million.
Calderdale Council says that a reduction in council funding for central services will save it £4.3m by 2014/15.
But the net loss of funding to the council could be around £3.4million.
So far 16 Calderdale schools have become academies, including Greetland Primary, named outstanding by Ofsted, Brighouse High School, Rastrick High School and Brooksbank School in Elland.
A report, to be presented to councillors today shows that converting schools are entitled to a Department for Education grant of £25,000 to prepare for conversion. Local authorities receive no extra cost to prepare for its schools leaving their leadership.
Once they become academies they will get a one-off payment from the local authority, dependent upon pupil numbers, but typically the amounts transferring in Calderdale are between £220,000 and £400,000 for secondary schools and £20,000 to £95,000 for primary schools.
A report, to be presented to Calderdale Cabinet members, says: “It is estimated nationally that most secondary schools and up to 50% of primary schools could convert to academies within the next two years.”
It also says steps are being taken to develop and promote services offered to all schools, including academies.