§ Mr. BeithTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what representations he has received about differences in funding per school pupil between Northumberland and other areas. [94280]
§ Ms Estelle MorrisMy right hon. Friend has received a number of representations from Northumberland expressing concern at differences in the Standard Spending Assessment (SSA) per pupil between Northumberland and other local education authorities. We have already acknowledged that there are valid objections to the current SSA formula. The Government, in partnership with local government, have set up a three year programme of research to investigate thoroughly whether there is a better way of determining the distribution of funds which is simpler, more stable, more robust and fairer than the present arrangements.