Witham MP Priti Patel has demanded that the Labour Government rethink its allocations for funding for schools in the Witham constituency. Data published by the Government shows that three schools are getting cash cuts in per pupil funding, and with average per pupil funding rising by about 2.2%, most schools will be facing real terms cuts as the rate of inflation and cost pressures are higher than the levels of funded provided. Eight schools will also see cuts in the overall levels of cash grants they receive. The release of these figures follows the Government's announcement that they are planning to axe funding and support for a new school at Lodge Farm in Witham. Funding being provided to Essex County Council for special educational needs and disabilities, known as the High Needs Block, is also being squeezed by Labour. Priti, who has written to the Secretary of State for Education to raise concerns about the lack of funds being given to local schools, said:
"Labour is leaving education and schools in this part of Essex worse off and undermining the future of young people. This squeeze to school funding, including cuts to some schools, will pile pressure on schools already faced with rising costs due to Labour's National Insurance rises. Coming on top of their plans to cancel funding for the new Lodge Farm school, Labour has shown they don't care about education in this part of Essex."
