Fiona Bruce MP said:
‘Whilst we have yet to see the exact detail this is in
principle very good news for schools, families and pupils across my
constituency. As the local MP, I have fought continuously over several years
for a change to the current system, which is so unfair to our local schools.
Most recently, I arranged a high-level meeting between the Government Minister,
Sam Gyimah MP and head teachers of local schools, in January of this year, to
discuss the specific issues facing our pupils and families in this area. It is
extraordinary that a school in one part of the country can receive over 50%
more than an identical school in another part of the country. Congleton
constituency schools, as part of Cheshire East, are located in the sixth most
poorly funded authority in the country. It is wholly unacceptable that Cheshire
East schools receive £200 less per pupil per year than Cheshire West schools; a
total shortfall of over £1,000,000 over five years. This is unacceptable, I am delighted
that the Government has put an end to this. As the Education Secretary said,
‘Current allocations are based on circumstances and decisions made over a
decade ago…We must now address these historic inequalities.’
‘Under the new formula, which will be consulted on with
schools and the public, budgets will be based on need. In addition, the single
national funding formula will work on a school-by-school basis, rather than a
local authority-led basis, simplifying and stabilising the funding system, giving
headteachers more certainly over future budgets. The formula will take into
account funding for additional needs and school costs, including those related
to school serving rural communities. I am also pleased that, as part of the
changes, there will be funding for local authorities towards young people with
high-level special educational needs on a fair basis, based on need not
location.’
‘This is a significant day for schools across the country –
but especially to schools in the Congleton constituency, which have borne the
brunt of this unfair and out-of-date system. I am very pleased that our
determined campaigning has been successful.’
