HC Deb 21 February 2000 vol 344 cc690-1W
Mr. Ashdown

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is his estimate of spending per pupil in secondary schools in Somerset for each year from 1988–89 to 1999–2000, expressed in 1997–98 prices; and if he will make a statement. [110762]

Ms Estelle Morris

Spending in secondary schools in Somerset on a per pupil basis from 1989–90 to 1997–98, the years for which this information is currently available, is set out in the table. The figures are based on Net Institutional Expenditure and expressed at 1997–98 prices.

£
1997–98 prices
1989–90 2,347
1990–91 2,312
1991–92 2,292
1992–93 2,497
1993–94 2,369
1994–95 2,307
1995–96 2,347
1996–97 2,277
1997–98 2,222

The balance of funding between secondary and other sectors of education is a matter for local education authorities. More generally, the Government announced in November 1998 a three year review in partnership with local government to look for a way of distributing revenue support which is simpler, more stable, more robust and fairer than the present arrangements for SSAs.