David Cameron: Pupil funding for Shropshire unfair

Shrewsbury & Atcham MP Daniel Kawczynski had pressed Mr Cameron on the issue during Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons yesterday.

Mr Kawczynski said the current system was "completely unjust" with some pupils in urban areas receiving almost double the £4,612 each child in Shropshire is given.

And he warned the Prime Minister that, following the Government's announcement earlier this year that it was planning to change the system, that the most influential unions could try to block the move.

But Mr Cameron said the Government would be consulting on the changes which could be introduced as early as 2015/16.

The Shrewsbury MP said: "Every Shropshire child receives £4,612 per annum for their education. In other parts of the country that figure is as high as £7,000, £8,000 or £9,000.

"This funding mechanism is completely unjust and puts Shrewsbury children at a disadvantage. Will the Prime Minister do everything in his power to help the Education Secretary change this funding mechanism before the unions try to block it?"

Mr Cameron responded: "We agree that the current system is unfair and my Honourable Friend gave the figures.

"We have committed to consulting on how best to introduce a national funding formula for 2015-16. We will consult widely with all the interested parties to get this right. That will obviously include all Members of Parliament and I know he will campaign very hard on that issue."

Mr Kawczynski has lobbied for many years for changes in the funding mechanism and said he would continue working with Shropshire Council and its schools forum to ensure the new arrangements benefit local schools.

Earlier this year, it was revealed that the Government's funding for Shropshire schools was being cut by about £1 million to £7 million.