Direction of Government

Debate between Andy Burnham and Alison Bennett

Tuesday 1st September 2026 Commons Chamber

[The Prime Minister]

I think there is a need for a resolution on what will happen from Handsacre to Manchester via Crewe, and a solution for the communities in between. This cannot be left where it is indefinitely. I understand the points that my hon. Friend has made, but given my past role, I hope he will be assured that this is something that I know a lot about.

[Alison Bennett (Mid Sussex) (LD)]

Happy birthday, Madam Deputy Speaker.

There are teachers in West Sussex who are giving up running after-school clubs so that they can take on a second job, because the cost of living, and particularly the cost of housing, is so high in the area. One of the issues is that West Sussex has the fifth-lowest secondary unit of funding in schools. Will the Prime Minister review minimum per-student funding levels, so that they truly reflect the cost of living in West Sussex?

[The Prime Minister]

I will ask the Education Secretary to look at precisely the issue that the hon. Lady has raised.