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Schools: Worcestershire

Answer

[holding answer 5 November 2012]: The Department recognises that the current funding system is unfair and out of date. It is based on a historic assessment of need which dates back to at least 2005/06. This means that as the needs of pupils have changed in areas such as Worcestershire, the levels of funding have not always reflected those changes.

In March the Secretary of State for Education, the right hon. Member for Surrey Heath (Michael Gove), announced our intention to introduce a new national funding formula during the next spending review period.

A new national funding formula would redistribute money across local authorities to reflect the current needs of pupils.

From 2013-14, we are simplifying the way in which funding is distributed within local authorities so that there is greater transparency and consistency. This is an important first step towards a national funding formula.

To ensure that these new arrangements do not result in sharp changes to schools budgets, we have put in place a Minimum Funding Guarantee (MFG). In 2013-14 and 2014-15, the MFG will mean that, in most cases, schools will not experience a reduction to their budgets of greater than 1.5% per pupil. I cannot give an exact value beyond 2014-15, but I can assure the House that an MFG will continue. As I have discussed with the hon. Member, the Department will review the 2013-14 arrangements and consider whether changes should be made for 2014-15 to help us move towards a new national funding formula. I have made a commitment that the Department will work with Worcestershire county council in conducting this review.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

126002; 553 cc375-6W

Session

2012-13

Subjects

Finance Schools Worcestershire

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk