DfE Update local authorities: 14 January 2026
Published 14 January 2026
Applies to England
© Crown copyright 2026
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dfe-update-14-january-2026/dfe-update-local-authorities-14-january-2026
1. Information: Updated guidance on accountability statements and local needs duty
We have updated the guidance for college and local authority accountability statements and the local needs duty for the 2026 to 2027 academic year.
Key changes include:
- revised submission deadline of Friday 31 July 2026
- stronger alignment with Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs)
- clearer expectations for early engagement with Employer Representative Bodies and Mayoral Strategic Authorities
- flexibility to use existing strategic documents when drafting your statement
Read the updated college and local authority accountability statements guidance.
The deadline for submitting your accountability statement is Friday 31 July 2026.
2. Information: Review your banking arrangements with our free tool
Schools and trusts could earn better interest rates and reduce administration by reviewing banking arrangements.
Compare your options by using our free banking comparison tool to see what you could be earning with different providers.
You could increase earnings by:
- opening a savings account with your current bank
- shopping around using the DfE banking comparison tool
- using cash savings platforms like Insignis (DfE-approved) to spread funds across multiple accounts while staying within Financial Services Compensation Scheme limits
Now is a good time to check if your current banking arrangements are working as hard as they could for your pupils. The banking comparison tool makes this review straightforward.
3. Your feedback: Help us make buying a Management Information System easier for you
We are creating a simpler way for schools to buy Management Information Systems (MIS) that reduces costs and legal risks. We need your input to make sure this works for you.
Tell us about your current MIS contract by completing a short questionnaire of 5 questions, which will only take a few minutes.
Your feedback will help us design a procurement framework that is easier to navigate and delivers systems that meet your needs.
Respond on or before Friday 30 January 2026, your participation is appreciated.
4. Events and webinars: Banking for schools webinar
Thursday 22 January 2026 from 2pm to 2.30pm. Register online.
5. Events and webinars: DfE Plan Technology and Digital standards webinar
Friday 23 January 2026 from 2pm to 2.30pm. Register online.
6. Events and webinars: DfE Energy for schools
Thursday 29 January 2026 from 3pm to 4pm. Register online.