Good news. After a consultation exercise over the cost of CCFs, the MOD has reviewed its policy on charging schools, whether those with existing CCFs or the new ones starting up as part of the Cadet Expansion Programme. Neither will now be charged.
Below is a Q&A about the change:
What was the consultation on Combined Cadet Force funding about?
The consultation was about proposed changes to the funding of Combined Cadet Force (CCF) units in schools. The proposal was that MOD would no longer fund the remuneration of Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs), or the annual Contingent Grant which each CCF unit receives. MOD would also have charged schools for the running costs of their units.
Who was consulted?
Heads of schools with existing CCF units were consulted on the proposals between July and October this year. The Reserve Forces and Cadets Associations, the Combined Cadet Force Association and the single Service cadet organisations also provided consolidated input from a range of other stakeholders.
What was the result of the consultation?
MOD has decided not to implement the proposed changes to CCF funding. This means that the current funding arrangements will remain unchanged: MOD will continue to fund CFAV remuneration and the Contingent Grant and does not propose to introduce a charge for running costs.
How does this affect schools setting up units under the Cadet Expansion Programme?
Recognising the importance of the CEP, the same funding model will also apply to state schools in England setting up new CCF units under this key Government initiative. These schools joined the programme on the understanding that there would be an annual per cadet charge to cover unit running costs. This will not now be the case and new CEP units will be treated exactly the same as existing CCF schools.
Why were the changes proposed?
The aim of the proposed changes was twofold: first, to create a level playing field between schools with existing CCFs and schools setting up new cadet units under the CEP which were required to contribute to the running costs of their units; second, to allow re-allocation of the existing MOD cadet budget to support further expansion beyond the CEP target of 100 new units by September 2015.
How are you intending to fund further expansion now?
In the short term, we have identified efficiencies which will enable us to fund the first 100 units being established under the CEP. We are currently working with DfE to explore further funding options for expansion beyond September 2015.
What are the priorities for further expansion of cadet units in schools – isn’t the Cadet Expansion Programme focussed on affluent ‘leafy suburbs’?
We are working with the Department for Education and the Cabinet Office on future priorities. This work, which has not yet completed, involves mapping the locations of school and community cadet units to target the next stage of expansion in socially deprived areas where initiatives like cadets can help promote social cohesion, and/or in areas where cadet units have the greatest scope to improve recruitment to the Armed Forces.
For more information about the Combined Cadet Force please visit our website page.