COUNTY Council bosses have welcomed an increase in funding for education after it was announced in the Queen’s speech on Thursday, December 19.
Funding for schools across England will rise to £7.1billion by 2022-2023.
Coun Marcus Hart, cabinet member with responsibility for education and skills at Worcestershire County Council, said: “This announcement is a real testament to the determination of headteachers, governors, schools, parents and the local authority who have raised awareness of the need for further funding within education.
“But this is only the beginning of what is needed going forward in the long-term.
“One of the council’s key priorities is to improve the quality of education, help and support for all children and young people across the county, including those with special educational needs.”
The news follows on from a funding boost announced earlier this year which saw an extra £2.6 billion announced for schools in 2020/21, £4.8 billion for 2021/22 and £7.1 billion for 2022/23 compared to 2019/20.
This will bring the schools budget to £52.2billion in 2022/23.
Significant financial pressures within education continues to be an nationwide issue which a majority of local authorities including Worcestershire are experiencing.
The council has, for a number of years, been a key member of the F40 Group which represents the lowest funded local authorities.
