Proposed changes to the national funding formula will disproportionately impact on London schools, with 10 of the 12 worst-affected boroughs in the capital.
The London Assembly today agreed a motion calling on the Mayor to write to the Secretary of State for Education, asking for a review of the policy and a revaluation of the proposed funding formula to mitigate its effect on students in London.
Jennette Arnold OBE AM, who proposed the motion said:
“The National Funding Formula being proposed by the Government disproportionately affects London’s schools and 10 of the 12 boroughs worst affected by the cuts are in London. Schools are at crisis point and without adequate funding, the education of future generations and the future wellbeing of London’s economy is at risk.
“The success of London’s schools demonstrates what can be achieved with adequate funding and we urge the Government to reconsider their proposals to ensure that London’s school children receive the standard of education that they deserve.”
The full text of the Motion is:
“This Assembly notes with alarm Government proposals to review the national funding formula for schools, which will leave most schools in London worse off.
10 of the 12 boroughs worst affected by the cuts are in London, and the boroughs which saw vast improvements in educational standards and achievement between 1997 and 2010, namely Hackney, Camden, Lambeth, Lewisham, Haringey, Newham, Southwark, Tower Hamlets, Hammersmith and Fulham and Kensington and Chelsea.[1]
According to the National Audit Office (NAO), real term cuts to education funding are likely to be around 8% per pupil.
The Assembly expresses concern that cuts to schools will make it harder to recruit and retain good teachers, limiting the chance of pay progression.
The Assembly calls on the Mayor to write to the Secretary of State for Education, Rt. Hon Justine Greening MP, a London MP herself, to ask her to review her policy and revaluate the proposed funding formula to mitigate its effect on London students.”
Notes to editors
- National funding formula: the winners and losers by local authority area, Schools Week, 14 December 2016.
- Watch the full webcast.
- The motion was unanimously agreed.
- Jennette Arnold OBE AM, who proposed the motion, is available for interviews. Please see contact details below.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
For media enquiries, please contact Mary Dolan on 020 7983 4603. For out of hours media enquiries, call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the London Assembly duty press officer. Non-media enquiries should be directed to the Public Liaison Unit on 020 7983 4100.