£1m cut may lead to Shropshire schools link-up

Shropshire Council officials have met with schools minister David Laws to discuss the county's Government settlement as the authority prepares for a £1 million cut in funding.

Earlier this month, it was revealed that about £7 million has been set aside for schools in the Shropshire Council area in the next financial year – with up to £1 million funding for new school places and just over £6 million to repair school buildings.

But officials at Shirehall said the settlement represents a £1 million cut compared to the previous 12 months.

David Taylor, corporate director for people at the authority, said the possibility of more county schools forming federations to share resources was among the issues discussed with Mr Laws.

"It's important that we work with central Government and keep them informed of how funding reforms like this impact on schools many miles away from Westminster," he said.

"As has often been the case, it's the rural and sparse nature of Shropshire that means our schools tend to be worse off than their more urban counterparts.

"One of the options we spoke to the Minister about is encouraging schools to look at the option of federating with their counterparts, which can help schools be more sustainable by working together."

Shropshire Council is a member of the 'F40' group, which is made up of the 40 lowest funded councils in terms of school budgets.