§ Mr. TylerTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what steps he intends to take to prevent adverse effects on core school budgets as a result of pressure on local education authorities to find the matching funding necessary for the Standards Fund. [86681]
§ Ms Estelle MorrisThe requirement for Local Education Authorities to contribute to the Standards Fund was allowed for in the 5.7 per cent. increase in the Education Standard Spending Assessment for 1999–2000 announced in December. Cornwall County Council's own Education Standard Spending Assessment increased by 6.2 per cent. Local Education Authorities have accepted over 99 per cent. of the Standards Fund allocations offered to them, with Cornwall accepting 100 per cent. Around two-thirds of the Standards Fund must be devolved to school level, contributing to the funds available to schools.