Written question asked by Mike O'Brien (Labour) on Thursday, 8 November 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 22 November 2001. It was answered by Stephen Timms (Labour) on Thursday, 22 November 2001 on behalf of the Department for Education and Skills.

Dept for Education and Skills

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, What steps are being taken to reduce the disparity in funding per pupil between local education authorities. (Failed OPQ). - Includes figures.

Answer: Mr. Mike O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps are being taken to reduce the disparity in funding per pupil between local education authorities. [14662] Mr. Timms: We are currently working up proposals for a reformed system of school and LEA funding for introduction in 2003-04. We aim to create a simpler, more transparent and fairer formula that reflects fairly, on the basis of up to date evidence, the needs of authorities in different parts of the country. We do not want there to be disparities in the formula which are not justified by the education needs of children. In the meantime we are continuing to make significant increases in funding overall. In 2002-03 Education Standard Spending will increase by over £1.3 billion or 6 per cent.; direct grants to schools will increase by 2.75 per cent.; and Standards Fund grant will increase by £85.6 million.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 14662; 375 c453-4W;375 c455-6W
Session: 2001-02
Question not reached: Yes
Subjects: Finance Education Local government Pupils Schools Per capita costs
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk