§ Mr. BradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if the guaranteed minimum per pupil increase in 2004–05 and 2005–06 will(a) take account of standards fund payments to schools and (b) apply only to the age-weighted per pupil funding. [127972]
§ Alan JohnsonThe Secretary of State's statement of 17 July on school funding said that the Standards Fund would be maintained and inflation-proofed at 2003–04 levels. The level of Standards Fund allocations will therefore be guaranteed separately. The guaranteed minimum per pupil increase will refer to school budget shares, excluding the part funded through the Learning and Skills Council, for which separate arrangements will be in place as outlined in the statement. The Department is working with local education authorities on the methodology for the guarantee, and aim to issue draft regulations and guidance during the autumn.