Cabinet Member for Children and Young People’s Services, Cllr Simon Aalders, has written to the Secretary of State for Education to demand action on what he describes as a longstanding funding injustice and to end the postcode lottery.
In a letter sent to Education Secretary Lucy Powell MP, Cllr Aalders sets out concerns that Suffolk continues to receive significantly less funding than comparable authorities for children’s social care and education services. This is despite growing demand and a rising population.
For children’s social care, Suffolk allocates £957.92 per head. This is the second lowest spend compared to neighbouring counties – more than £200 less than children and young people in Norfolk, and well below the national average.
In addition, the amount Suffolk receives per pupil for education services is £200 less than pupils in Essex. Suffolk receives £5,200 per pupil, with Essex receiving £5,400 and Norfolk £5,350. The national average is just over £5,250.
Cllr Aalders is asking the Government to review this funding position and ensure the county receives funding more in line with comparable areas, arguing that local children and families should not be disadvantaged simply because of where they live.
Cllr Simon Aalders, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People’s Services, said:
“This funding system has left Suffolk residents short-changed for far too long, and our children and young people at a severe disadvantage.
“Somehow, we find ourselves paying into a system while receiving less back in return for essential local services.
“This is not right. Our children deserve the same opportunity to succeed as a child anywhere else in the country.
“We are not asking the Government for special treatment. We are asking for fair treatment, and we will fight for every pound that is rightly owed to us.”
Cllr Aalders has also written to all Suffolk MPs asking them to support the campaign and raise the issue directly with ministers.
