Tim urges Gove and Laws to come to Cumbria and face teachers

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has today written to Education Ministers Michael Gove and David Laws urging them to come to Cumbria to meet with teachers, parents and staff about the plans to radically change the funding formula for schools.

Some schools could potentially lose up to 31 per cent, while some could be budget winners, gaining 25 per cent. There will be a two-year transition period during which no school's budget could decrease by more than 1.5 per cent. The full effect will not be felt until 2015/16.

Tim is meeting with affected head teachers today and will be meeting with more during the next week.

Yesterday, Tim launched a 'massive community campaign' to protect local schools. The consultation runs until October 19. The council's cabinet has to notify the Department for Education of the new arrangements by October 31.

Tim is also calling together all the county's MP's and County Council leader Eddie Martin to a high level summit to form a plan to overcome the potential funding crisis.

Tim has already spoken with Education ministers this week.

Tim said: "I have been contacted by teachers and parents who are very worried about these plans. I share their concerns and I am doing everything I possibly can on this. Our community campaign can and must win - our schools need us to win this fight.

"Today I am urging Mr Gove and Mr Laws to visit us in Cumbria to meet teachers, staff and parents and hear their concerns. I am utterly determined that we will fix this crisis, our community here has a wonderful track record of pulling together and winning campaigns for our area, I know that working together we will save our schools."