§ Gregory BarkerTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps are being taken by his Department to increase budgetary provision for(a) the current academic year, (b) 2003–04 and (c) 2004–05. [117637]
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§ Mr. MilibandThe overall increase in funding for schools and local education authorities between last year and 2003–04 is some £2.7 billion. Within this total, we have made available extra grant to ensure that the effective increase is no less than 3.2 per cent. per pupil for all authorities. Our plans allow for a further increase of £1.4 billion between this year and 2004–05. Details of the allocations to individual local education authorities will be announced later this year under the normal arrangements.