CAMPAIGNERS fighting to get a better deal for Worcestershire's schools say government funding increases will not be enough.

An extra £15.6 million has been awarded for county services as a whole, with £14.3 million of this earmarked directly for schools.

Evesham mother Helen Donovan, who has led the campaign for better funding for Worcestershire children, said: "I welcome the increase but I am still going to campaign for more money.

"We are right at the bottom of the funding tables, so a six per percent increase in peanuts is still peanuts. We would need the same increase for the next ten years to achieve the average national payment."

She added that even after the increases Worcestershire would still languish at number 146 out of a funding league of 150 authorities. Although the average cash increase per child is nearly £100, county pupils will still be getting £390 less per head than in the national average she said.

County councillor Adrian Hardman, had a different view.

He said "This is a good settlement for education and should hopefully avert any repeat of the current problems with so many schools in financial difficulties.

"However it does raise the question of how we pursue the council's other budget priorities, such as helping older people live independently at home and further improving road maintenance."

He added that Worcestershire County Council, which receives the bulk of the government grant, was expecting to increase the local tax payers bill by between six to seven per cent.

Councillors are set to meet on December 19 to discuss next year's budget with ratification expected on February 19.