Oral Answers to Questions

Gareth Thomas Excerpts

Monday 21st November 2011 Commons Chamber

[John Woodcock (Barrow and Furness) (Lab/Co-op)]

13. What assessment he has made of the findings of the report by the Institute for Fiscal Studies on Trends in Education and Schools Spending.

[Mr Gareth Thomas (Harrow West) (Lab/Co-op)]

17. What assessment he has made of the findings of the report by the Institute for Fiscal Studies on Trends in Education and School Spending.

[The Secretary of State for Education (Michael Gove)]

I read the IFS report with interest, and found its arguments thought-provoking.

--- Later in debate ---

[Michael Gove]

I think that the hon. Gentleman probably means “held up” rather than “upheld”. However, we shall do everything possible to ensure that not just the planning system but building regulations are reformed so that necessary investment in schools is accelerated, and we shall do everything possible to ensure that resources are there for those in the most need.

[Mr Thomas]

In the light of the IFS report and the understandable concerns that it will have raised among my constituents who have children at school, can the Secretary of State assure Harrow schools that have just become academies that there will have been no real-terms cut in direct Government spending by the time of the next election?

[Michael Gove]

All schools that have become academies have the chance to spend their money directly on the priorities that are close to them. Obviously every school will have different funding results over the next four years, but, overall, cash spending on schools is protected, and schools should also benefit from the pupil premium.