Henry Smith MP has raised the issue of funding for West Sussex schools in the House of Commons, to coincide with his Crawley petition for fairer education funding.

Henry said;

“I’m working with parliamentary colleagues in organising a petition so we can ensure a fairer deal for pupils.

“The existing funding formula system established in the 2000s is unfair and it’s more important than ever that funding is allocated fairly on the basis of need.

“The gap between the best and worst funded areas grew under the previous Labour government. The ten best funded areas receive an average of £6,297 per pupil per year, compared with an average of £4,208 in the ten worst funded areas, including West Sussex.

“To sign my Crawley petition on school funding, please visit www.henrysmith.info/campaigns/school-funding”

In order to be presented in Parliament, petitions must be submitted on paper.

Petition forms can be found on Henry’s website at: www.henrysmith.info/campaigns/school-funding

Henry is also happy to email or post copies of the petition, please write to him either via post, at the House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA, or email Henry directly: [email protected]

Henry will need to receive completed petitions, posted to his London office, by 13th November 2015.

Henry Smith, Member of Parliament for Crawley, asked the Leader of the House of Commons;

“May we have a debate on the education funding formula in England? West Sussex local education authority is the second lowest funded, despite containing considerable pockets of deprivation, principally in my constituency.”

The Leader of the House of Commons, Rt Hon Chris Grayling MP, responded;

“There is a debate on education funding in Westminster Hall this afternoon, and I encourage my hon. Friend to take part. Funding is an issue around the country, and we endeavour to get it right and ensure that our education system is funded properly. We have sought to protect our schools budget, notwithstanding the tough financial challenges we face.”