Education Funding in London

Margaret Hodge Excerpts

Wednesday 4th May 2016 Commons Chamber

[Robert Neill]

I am grateful for that point, and I accept it. Provided that we get that built in, this need not be an argument, but rather a question of making sure that any formula reflects the diversity of needs that exists within London.

[Dame Margaret Hodge (Barking) (Lab)]

rose—

[Robert Neill]

I give way to the right hon. Lady, who is very well regarded in London for all her work.

[Dame Margaret Hodge]

I thank the hon. Gentleman and congratulate him on securing this debate. He talked about some of the factors that impact on the differential costs in London and elsewhere. Does he agree that the mobility of families in London is another factor? Two primary schools in my constituency have a 30% turnover every year, meaning that every teacher has to teach 40 children a year. The additional costs of getting to know, assessing and then responding to those needs ought to be had regard to in setting the formula if it is to be fair for every child in the country.

--- Later in debate ---

[Rushanara Ali]

We have very good results in London. Nine out of 10 schools across London are good or outstanding. We should build on that, not pit schools against one other. The hon. Gentleman served on the Education Committee so should know better than to make that argument.

[Dame Margaret Hodge]

I was not going to intervene again, but I have to on the back of that. In its manifesto, the Conservative party said:

“Under a future Conservative Government, the amount of money following your child into school will be protected.”

Does my hon. Friend agree that changing the formula to take money away from some children is not the right way to meet a manifesto commitment?

[Rushanara Ali]

I completely agree with my right hon. Friend. It would be yet another broken promise. I hope that the Minister will listen carefully today and make sure that that promise is not broken.