BROMSGROVE’S MP, Sajid Javid, has welcomed the Government’s commitment to changing the school funding formula, confirmed in the Spending Round.

This will allow education authorities greater flexibility to set different lump sums for different types of schools. Historically the funding formula left pupils in Worcestershire receiving £800 per pupil less than in neighbouring Birmingham.

The decision comes after Worcestershire MPs lead the campaign for the challenges associated with rural sparsity to be recognised.

The new national funding formula will come into effect from 2015.

Mr Javid said: “This is good news for parents in Bromsgrove who frequently bring this matter up with me. Counties such as Worcestershire, which are largely rural, have been concerned that the local funding formula threatened the viability of small rural schools.

“Worcestershire school governors have been making the case for years that there ought to be more account taken of the extra costs that face schools in rural areas.

“This will deliver real reform of the funding formula to make sure our schools no longer suffer from unfair funding. I am pleased the Government has been able to listen and act on local concerns.”