Debate on pupil funding in Haringey

Liberal Democrat MP Lynne Featherstone urged the government to provide better funding for schoolchildren in Haringey - the fifth most deprived borough in London - during a debate in Westminster Hall on 4 November 2009.

The MP questioned why schools in the outer London borough receive almost £1,200 less per pupil than those in neighbouring inner city boroughs like Camden, when Haringey teachers are paid inner London salaries.

"Our teachers rightly deserve that inner London pay scale - but we also deserve inner London pupil funding," she said.

"Our schools do not receive funding that reflects their needs, and it is impacting on children's education in the east and west of the borough."

The MP asked the government to commit emergency funding for 2010/11 to ensure Haringey schools "do not fall further behind".

Schools Minister Diana Johnson said that by 2011 funding for schools in the borough will have increased by 12 per cent since 2008.

Ms Johnson said a review of the Dedicated Schools Grant distribution formula was underway, but added that the government was not in a position to offer any additional funding in the interim.