“School funding is probably the number one issue for my constituents, and for too long, I’m afraid schools in West Sussex have been too far near the bottom of the pile - that is going to change”.
Yesterday the Chancellor announced his ‘Comprehensive Spending Review’, with updates on investment in public services. I particularly welcome the additional £14bn in school funding, something that I’ve been campaigning on - together with other West Sussex MPs - for many years.
Spending Round support for the South East includes:
- 40 per cent of primary schools in the South East will see per pupil funding level up to a minimum of £3,750 next year – that’s 1,029 primary schools. In addition, 57 per cent of secondary schools in the South East will see per-pupil funding level up to a minimum of £5,000 next year – that’s 274 secondary schools.
- The £190 million of further education funding to increase core funding for 16-19-year olds is expected to benefit providers in the South East by £24.3 million in 2020-21.
- As part of the £850 million over the next five years to upgrade facilities and equipment in 20 hospitals, Isle of Wight NHS Trust is receiving £48 million to redesign acute services for Isle of Wight residents.
- We are providing continued development funding to drive forward East West rail links in the Oxford to Cambridge Arc.
- Next year, Arts Council England will continue to support arts organisations in the South East. This includes the Turner Contemporary Gallery in Margate and Brighton Dome between.
- Continued funding for the DCMS sponsored museums will mean that the Natural History Museum, Tring and the Royal Armouries at Fort Nelson, can continue to delight and inform visitors in the South East.
- £422 million is being provided to help reduce homelessness and rough sleeping, including an additional £54 million in 2020-21, representing a real term increase of 13 per cent compared to 2019-20. This funding will benefit the South East alongside the rest of the country.
