School funding - a clarification

9.57.00am BST (GMT +0100) Sun 22nd Jun 2008

Following discussion with a Governor at Mill Lane Community Primary School we are happy to clarify the specific area of funding we think is being 'squeezed'. A large part of each school's funding is based on a Government formula. Figures provided by Oxfordshire County Council show that Mill Lane School received a below inflation rise in this part of its funding.

Because of increases in other parts of the school's funding, and an increase in pupil numbers, overall school income is rising 5.9%. Strong financial management by the Head and Governors means that there will be an even bigger increase in spending this year - a rise of 8.3%.

The local Lib Dem team think the school are doing a great job. Our criticism is of the Government for under-funding schools generally, and for their formula not taking full account of the needs of rural schools in particular.