One of the recurring concerns I hear when it comes to our democracy is the importance of politicians keeping their promises. For example, in 2016 we were told that the people’s EU referendum decision would be respected and enacted; a sentiment which also applies to domestic priorities.

Over the summer Boris Johnson declared, in addition to delivering Brexit, his commitment to uplift school funding too.

This month, I welcomed the new funding package which is to see a minimum of £5,000 per secondary school pupil next year, and a minimum of £4,000 by 2021-22 for each primary school pupil nationally.

This support follows the Prime Minister’s announcement in August that the budget for schools and high needs would be increased by a total of more than £14 billion over three years, rising to £52.2 billion by 2022-23.

The extra money, available from April, will ensure that per pupil funding for all schools can rise at least in line with inflation and will deliver promised gains in full for areas which have been historically under-funded.

A 5.68 per cent per pupil funding boost next year will mean that every school in West Sussex will receive a budget increase, giving teachers, parents and pupils the certainty to plan, and improving standards in our schools. Indeed, funding for Crawley schools will rise to £82.8 million – on average £5,836 for each secondary student and £4,210 for every primary pupil.

This new funding will also target those schools who need support the most, making sure that every parent in Crawley can be sure their children are getting a world-class education.

Henry Smith MP
Crawley Constituency

House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA
01293 934554/020 7219 7043
henry.smith.mp@parliament.uk
www.henrysmith.info