OUR local MP reports that Worcestershire's schools are to be further punished by the introduction of a previously unannounced system of performance-related funding.

May I make it clear that I am not prepared to join in a spin exercise to soften-up local parents to prevent them making a fuss if they find we are to get a raw deal when the new funding arrangements are made public.

It will be recalled that a fairer funding system, which was to have been introduced last year, was delayed until this summer. In the meantime, a Government Report of the Education Funding Group has indicated that the new funding system will be driven by:

1. A basic activity-led approach - using historical data.

2. Additional educational needs - based on the matters such as the number of children with "special" educational needs, areas of significant deprivation and the numbers of children for whom English is a second language.

3. Population dispersal.

4. A High Cost pupil's sub-block - judged on unemployment levels, ethnicity, parents on income support and children with disabilities and so on.

In addition to the above, it is intended to make allowance for "sluggish costs" - which will help areas that have to deal with a high influx of immigrants.

I fear that Worcestershire will not score highly on the above measures. Therefore, the bulk of funding per pupil will continue to go to metropolitan areas.

However, the summer deadline has been extended until November, so there is still time for us all to join in the lobby for a fairer deal for Worcestershire, irrespective of political preference.

ANDREW ROBERTS,

Worcestershire County Councillor,

Claines.