§ Mr. LlwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales how future standard spending assessments will affect small schools currently enjoying protection under the formula; what steps are being taken to base the formula on an objective and professional assessment of Wales's needs; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David HuntStandard spending assessments for Welsh authorities are not hypothecated to individual services. The distribution formulae for county authority SSAs take into account the effect of population sparsity in the provision of primary and secondary education. The formulae are reviewed annually with the local authority associations and ratified by the Welsh Consultative Council on Local Government Finance.