Schools and learning

Governors' Expenses

Q. What expenses can governors claim?

A. A governing body may set up a scheme to pay allowances to governors and Associate Members, including reimbursement for disability support and child and relative care as well as travel and subsistence. Allowances for travel costs may not exceed HM Revenue & Customs Authorised Mileage Rates. Only actual costs incurred should be reimbursed. It is not possible to pay attendance or loss of earnings allowances. Once agreed, the LA's or school’s scheme will apply to all categories of governors, except those appointed by the Secretary of State.

Q. Who is responsible for setting up an expenses scheme?

A. If the school has a delegated budget, the governing body decides whether or not to set up a allowances scheme. If the school does not have a delegated budget, the Local Authority decides. Governors play a vital role in the management of schools, and their expenses can rightfully be reimbursed - they should not be out of pocket. However governors’ allowances are a claim on a school’s overall budget. Governors may decide not to claim reimbursement, but if the governing body has a scheme in place and claims are made, the governing body should meet these claims.

Please click on this link to see the DCSF guidance on Governors' Allowances.