Title

CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

Spending Review: Council-run schools to be consigned to history

Local authority-run schools will be a ‘thing of the past,’ the chancellor announced in his Spending Review today.

Local authority-run schools will be a ‘thing of the past,' the chancellor announced in his Spending Review today.

George Osborne said moving control of schools from local councils would save £600m on the Education Services Grant. 

He also announced the Government would phase out the ‘unfair' school funding system, replacing it with a new national Funding Formula from 2017.

Mr Osborne said: ‘We will phase out the arbitrary and unfair school funding system that has systematically under-funded schools in whole swathes of the country.

‘Under the current arrangements, a child from a disadvantaged background in one school can receive half as much funding as a child in identical circumstances in another school. 

‘In its place, we will introduce a new national funding formula.

'I commend the many MPs from all parties who have campaigned for many years to see this day come.'

Mr Osborne also pledged to deliver another 500 new free school and university technical colleges. 

 

CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

GDS Local: A digital transformation partnership for the future

By Ian Murray | 22 November 2025

For too long the Government Digital Service (GDS) hasn't played the role it should for local government, says minister for digital government Ian Murray. He ...

CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

The National Housing Bank: Will it help councils build?

By Jack Shaw | 21 November 2025

The question of whether the National Housing Bank becomes a central plank of housebuilding and renewal or a missed opportunity will depend on the choices the...

CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

Fair funding review labelled a 'sham'

By Martin Ford | 20 November 2025

The fair funding review has been labelled a ‘sham’ by rural councils following its publication today.

CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

Districts take hit in fair funding review

By Martin Ford | 20 November 2025

District councils have been told their finances will take a hit as the fair funding review is published today.

Popular articles by Laura Sharman