Huppert keeps up pressure for fairer funding for schools
4 February, 2014 No Comments
MP Julian Huppert is keeping up pressure on the government to deliver its promise of fairer funding for the county's schools as an announcement from the government is imminent.
Julian has reminded Education Minister, Michael Gove of the assurance he gave him that schools across Cambridgeshire would be given more financial support closing the gap that leaves us at the bottom of the funding league table.
He will attend a conference on Thursday (February 6) organised by campaign group f40 designed to give information and guidance to local authorities and schools as the government prepares to announce its new funding formula and launch a three month consultation.
Julian said: "I have campaigned for years to get the money our children need to get the education they deserve. We are close to an announcement now and I want to make sure Michael Gove stands by his promise to deliver.
"Our schools have suffered from 30 years of underfunding by successive governments; now we have the opportunity to put that right. I am optimistic that we will get a better deal for Cambridgeshire schools and I want to make sure the deal is delivered."
Julian achieved his promise from Mr Gove after warning him that a new funding formula must be a core priority for the government with action taken now and not put on hold until after the 2015 election.
He also led a debate in Westminster Hall on the funding issue and has pushed ministers for a review of the money Cambridgeshire gets for its schools.
At present, the county gets £600 less per pupil per year than the English average which means schools are short changed by a massive £34 million.
"It's absolutely clear what a difference these missing millions would make to our children's education," added Julian. "It's time the government put this right."