Update special needs funding to save schools from severe cuts - Farron

South Lakes MP Tim Farron is calling on the government to save Cumbria's schools from severe cuts by using up-to-date figures to calculate special needs funding budgets for the county.

The government is still basing the 'High Needs Block' of Cumbria's education budget on figures from 2013. However, since then, there has been an increase of 80% in the number of pupils eligible for assistance and extra provision through the higher needs funding block.

This increase was unforeseen, and has left Cumbria with a £5.8million deficit, meaning that schools will have to make swinging cuts in other areas in order to make up for this shortfall.

Tim is calling for the government to save local schools from these cuts by updating the figures on which central government funding is allocated to Cumbria. To sign Tim's petition, go to: www.timfarron.co.uk/schoolsfunding

Tim said: "The government is trying to sneak in severe cuts through the back door by not using up-to-date figures to work out budgets. Unless the government uses the latest figures, it will force schools to cut funding from their teaching budgets in order to make up for this shortfall.

"Cumbria's schools do a fantastic job, but they now face a cut of almost £6million. Without the necessary funding, our children's education will suffer.

"The higher needs funding is still based on 2013 figures, despite the fact that it now needs to cover 80% more pupils, leading to a massive effective cut. I am deeply concerned about the impact this will have."