§ Mr. LuffTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what factors will be included in the standard spending assessment formula for education in Worcestershire; if she will consult on the formula prior to its introduction in April 2003; and if she will make a statement. [10796]
§ Mr. TimmsWe expect that the new education funding formula for schools will consist of an amount per pupil, with enhancements for authorities where significant deprivation adds to education costs, and a separate enhancement for areas where schools need to pay more to recruit and retain staff. The Government will consult widely on the formulae for services funded through the local government finance system, including that for education, prior to the introduction of a new system in April 2003.
§ Mr. LuffTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what transitional arrangements she plans to make during the move to a new standard spending assessment formula for education in Worcestershire from April 2003; and if she will make a statement. [10797]
§ Mr. TimmsThere will be no changes to the current formula for education standard spending assessments before 2003–04, when we will be introducing a new system of funding assessments for schools and local education authorities. We have no plans to pay transitional grant in 2002–03.