Schools in Staffordshire have, in the past, received fewer funds per pupil than in other counties.  Michael Fabricant raised this matter today (2^nd March) in Education questions when he raised the matter with the Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson.

I asked: “My Right Honourable Friend and neighbour will know that Staffordshire has been right at the bottom of the pool as far as getting money is concerned against other counties. What good news can my Right Honourable Friend give to his schools in South Staffordshire, as well as my schools in Lichfield?”

Gavin Williamson replied: “As the Honourable Gentleman will know, schools are enjoying an 8.2% cash increase, as well as an over 5% increase in the constituency of Lichfield. This is certainly something very much to be welcomed, and it’s making a real difference. What we are seeing is not just extra money going in, but in terms of the money that we are investing in terms of teacher quality, teacher training, and making sure that the basic starting salary of new teachers is going to be increased to £30,000, making it one of the most competitive graduate packages out there in the marketplace, attracting the very best into the profession.”