PARLIAMENTARY EARLY DAY MOTION
LONDON SCHOOL FUNDING SHORTFALL (21 July 1998)

That this House is concerned that changes to the local government funding formula being considered by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions and the Department for Education and Employment will result in London losing up to ú1.5 billion over the next three years; notes that to make up the shortfall in resources would require a 70 per cent. increase in council tax, equivalent to an average increase at Band D for Greater London of ú485; is particularly concerned about proposed changes to the factors to be included in the additional educational needs which will disadvantage some of the most deprived boroughs in the United Kingdom; notes that every London borough will lose funding for schools and social services at a time when the comprehensive spending review has raised expectations of new investment and higher standards which London's councils will be ill-equipped to deliver; and calls on the Government to listen to the strong representations of the Association of London Government and ensure that the capital is fairly funded.

Sponsored by:
Paul Burstow (Liberal Democrat)