Pupils and patients in Shropshire are having less money spent on them by national government than people in urban areas, according to a new report.

The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Rural Services, which is chaired by south Shropshire MP Philip Dunne, claims that many rural areas are underfunded when it comes to eductaion and health.

In its report published yesterday, the group said Government calculations for funding in England provided less money per pupil and patient for those who live in rural areas, despite it costing more to provide the same quality of service outside towns and cities.

Mr Dunne said: “The allocation of funding for education and health services is a black box which few understand. It is clear that what is needed is a review of the funding formulae.

“The next government must work to ensure that rural needs are fairly reflected in the allocation of funding.”

According to figures from the f40 campaign group, which represents the 40 worst-funded education authorities in England and which gave evidence for the report, Shropshire
Council received £3,850 per pupil in the last financial year, compared to a national average of £4,218.

Birmingham City Council received £4,605 per pupil and the London boroughs of Islington and Camden were allocated £6,043 and £6,373 per pupil respectively

The group’s report says funding calculations should include special adjustments for rural areas as they do in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

It also suggests health funding should take more account of the needs of older populations in rural areas.

A further recommendation is that both calculations pay attention to transport costs, which are higher in remote and rural areas.

The group on Rural Services includes MPs and peers from across the political parties and aims to promote debate on the provision of rural services.
By Hannah Costigan