Fair funding for schools campaign group, f40, has welcomed the overall proposals put forward by the government in Stage 2 of the consultation on fair funding for schools.
The group, which has campaigned for over 20 years for a fairer, more equitable school funding formula, says it needs time to analyse the detail within the government’s announcement but thinks that the basic fair funding element meets its demand for a fairer allocation arrangement.
F40 chair, Councillor Ivan Ould, who is also Lead Member for Children’s Services in Leicestershire, said: “Broadly speaking the proposals appear to present a fairer method of funding our schools but f40 will want to carefully assess the full implications, including the issue of local flexibility and details about the transitional arrangements, before responding in detail to the consultation.
“We have already made a significant contribution to the debate and we will continue working with the Department for Education as the new formula unfolds and is implemented”.
Alex Chalk MP, who represents Cheltenham, and who recently agreed to be the new Conservative Vice Chair of f40, said: “The government has listened to the arguments put forward by f40 and MPs from the poorest funded authorities and has attempted to put right an historic wrong which has caused many schools to be treated so unfairly for many years.
“It is clear that the Secretary of State understands that the existing funding model has no rationale and is clearly unfair. She recognises the inconsistencies in funding for individual schools with similar characteristics and wishes to see matters improve.
So, in general terms I am happy that this government is delivering on its commitment to a new national fair funding formula but as is always the case, the devil will be in the details. I will continue to argue the case for improved funding for schools across the country.
