SHAUN LOWTHORPE Education chiefs yesterday welcomed a two-year funding deal for schools - but admitted that Government plans to ring-fence the cash would add to pressure on budgets.
SHAUN LOWTHORPE
Education chiefs yesterday welcomed a two-year funding deal for schools - but said government plans to ring-fence the cash would add to pressure on budgets.
Rosalie Monbiot, Norfolk County Council Cabinet member for children's services, said the dedicated grant was £377.9m for 2006/7 - a 6.3pc cash increase or 6.7pc increase per pupil - while schools will get £400m in 2007/8 - a 5.8pc cash increase or extra 6.6pc per pupil.
"By 2007/8, the level of cash funding for Norfolk schools will be 12.2pc higher than it is now, which is a considerable increase. The money for schools is increasing way above inflation, is ring-fenced and will mean real benefits for pupils across the county."
But she said the increase masked other financial problems, with the children's services department under pressure to cut costs, and they faced tough decisions about savings and potential cuts in services.
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