§ Mr. HobanTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what discussions he has had with the Cabinet Office's strategy and delivery units on changes to the way funding may be allocated to schools; what work he has undertaken to review the basis of distributing funds directly to schools; and if he will place copies of the papers in the Library. [147146]
§ Mr. Miliband[holding answer 12 January 2004]: On 29 October the Secretary of State announced the arrangements for school funding in 2004–05 and 2005–06. Every school is guaranteed a minimum increase in funding—4 per cent. in 2004–05and every LEA will receive at least a 5 per cent. funding increase that year. We expect LEAs to pass on funding increases to schools. We will continue to provide some direct grants from the Government to schools, in particular the Standards Fund, and allow schools to spend these funds more flexibly to meet their needs. These measures are designed to deliver stability and certainty for schools; this is our priority.
The Government continues to keep funding arrangements under review in consultation with other departments.
§ Dr. PughTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills which local education authorities have made representations to ministers in his Department about school funding since October 2003. [148048]
§ Mr. Charles ClarkeWe have received a wide range of representations from local education authorities and I, my ministerial colleagues and my officials have had discussions with many authorities both individually and collectively. The position on school funding was set out to the House on 29 October.
§ Mr. YeoTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills at what level Government funding per pupil will be in each of the next 10 years. [148561]
§ Mr. MilibandFunding per pupil is set to rise by £1,000 in real terms, from £2,810 in 1997 to £3,600 in 2003–04 to £3,850 in 2006.
The level for 2006–07 and beyond will be determined by the outcome of future Spending Reviews.