Oral Answers to Questions

Bambos Charalambous Excerpts

Monday 9th September 2019 Commons Chamber

[Gavin Williamson]

We have seen a change in attitudes as to what apprenticeships are able to deliver. After a decade and more under the Labour party, when we saw apprenticeships devalued and reduced, we have seen a seismic change in what we are doing, driving up the quality and status of apprenticeships. I know that colleagues on the Conservative Benches take great pride in what has been achieved, but we are always conscious that so much more needs to be done.

[Bambos Charalambous (Enfield, Southgate) (Lab)]

5. What discussions he has had with the Prime Minister on the timetable for increasing the level of funding for schools.

[Helen Whately (Faversham and Mid Kent) (Con)]

7. What plans the Government has to increase the level of funding for schools.

--- Later in debate ---

[Bambos Charalambous]

The Chancellor’s promise to increase school funding is welcome, but he has given no extra money to schools for this year. School budgets are at breaking point, so will the Minister acknowledge that he is leaving schools on the brink?

[Nick Gibb]

What the hon. Gentleman says is not actually true. We have given extra money to fund employer pension contributions this year and to partially fund the pay grant over and above the 1%, and now the 2%, that is affordable, so we have provided schools with extra money this financial year.