Priti Patel MP calls for long-term funding for schools
Witham MP, Priti Patel, has called on the Government to deliver a long-term funding settlement for schools at the Comprehensive Spending Review taking place later this year.
Priti has raised the matter with the Minister of State for School Standards (The Rt. Hon Nick Gibb MP) and the Chancellor of the Exchequer (The Rt. Hon Philip Hammond MP) after seeking the views of local head teachers about school funding and the specific cost pressures affecting their schools, such as special educational needs funding, capital funding, teacher pay rises and increases in employer pension contributions. Priti has called on the Government to prioritise funding for these key areas and introduce a long-term funding plan for schools so they can plan ahead with confidence.
Priti said: “Schools in my constituency and across Essex have been historically underfunded and they are facing a range of considerable budgeting challenges. Despite the Government investing more money into our schools than ever before, current funding allocations only cover costs up to the end of this financial year and recent announcements on additional funding for SEN and employment are too ad hoc, delivering little certainty for schools.
“A more transparent and joined up approach is needed so that schools can plan their future budgets with confidence. The Spending Review is an important opportunity for the Government to address the current cost pressures facing schools and deliver a proper strategic long-term funding plan for the length of the next spending period.
“The education of our children and young people must not be disadvantaged and I am clear that education budgets must be prioritised at the Spending Review to enhance the quality of education and improve pupil outcomes and attainment. I will continue to make representations to the highest levels of government to secure the best possible deal for schools in my constituency.”