§ Mr. LuffTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what resources she plans to provide to local education authorities, with particular reference to Worcestershire, prior to the introduction of a new system for setting standard spending assessments for education for the financial year 2002–03; and if she will make a statement. [8037]
§ Mr. TimmsIn 2002–03 the overall increase in Education Standard Spending will be over £1.3 billion or 5.7 per cent.; direct grants to schools will increase by 2.75 per cent.; and Standards Fund grant will increase by £85.6 million. We are currently working up proposals for a reformed system of school and LEA funding for introduction in 2003–04.