Local Thornbury and Yate MP Luke Hall has continued to press the Department for Education to implement the “National Fairer Funding Formula” for South Gloucestershire Schools.
In a letter to the new Secretary of State for Education, Justine Greening MP, the Thornbury and Yate MP pressed the importance of the implementation of plans for local schools.
South Gloucestershire Council, a member of the f40 group made up of the 40 lowest funded local authorities, has traditionally seen its schools miss out due to the current system. The f40 group has welcomed a move to a new national funding formula that is proposed by the Government.
The latest letter builds upon the MP recently pressing the former Secretary of State for Education Nicky Morgan on ensuring South Gloucestershire Schools would receive their fair share of funding under a new formula to which the Secretary of State replied;
“My hon. Friend is absolutely right. My ministers and I want to ensure that all schools receive their fair share of funding.”
The MP has since continued to take up and press the case with the new Secretary of State for Education following an announcement that the formula’s implementation is set to be delayed for further consultation.
In the letter the MP expressed that the introduction of the formula was of “the upmost importance to the community”.
In response, Schools Minister Nick Gibbs said; “I would like assure your constituents that the Government remains firmly committed to introducing fairer funding for schools, higher needs and early years. We recognise this is a once in a generation opportunity for a historic change ...”
Cllr Jon Hunt, Chair of South Gloucestershire’s Children, Adults and Health Committee thanked Luke by saying; “ We really appreciate Luke’s continued efforts and support on behalf of South Gloucestershire in ensuring the Government knows how important this improved fairer funding formula is for our local schools, parents and children in our area and the need to implement this as soon as it is feasible.”
Luke commenting further on the issue said; “I am determined to ensure that our local schools get the best deal they possibly can from Government. I’m encouraged that the Government has reaffirmed its commitment to a new formula but I will continue to press the case at the top on behalf of Parents, Pupils and Schools here in South Gloucestershire to ensure we get our fair share in something as important as education”