THE Government may be considering making a special payment to Worcestershire's cash-strapped schools after all, according to MP Peter Luff.

He has tabled a written Parliamentary question asking for "urgent clarification" of the Government's position.

The Conservative MP said he had information that officials in the Department of Education and Skills are considering the payment of an additional grant.

The money would top up last week's education settlement - which was an increase of 6.1 per cent on the previous financial year.

Rival MPs and headteachers have clashed over the value of the settlement - with Mr Luff and the Worcestershire Headteachers' Forum claiming it is only a 5.4 per cent rise.

The headteachers have vowed to forge ahead with plans to take legal action against Ministers.

Mr Luff said he wanted to know if Ministers were running scared in the wake of this development. The Government has said there are "no plans" for a repeat of last year's special payment of £1.35m.

"It seems the Government are panicking and are now considering a special payment after all," said the MP.

"My question has to be answered by Monday and I greatly look forward to the answer. Rumours are circulating that hints of extra cash are being dropped, but it isn't hints, nudges and winks we need - it's a fair deal."

The director of education at Worcestershire County Council said it would be "nice" if an extra settlement was received.

"We were told there wouldn't be a top-up, but things can change," said Julien Kramer.

"It would be nice if things did change. I'd be relieved, but it's a very strange way to fund an education service.

Worcester MP Mike Foster insisted he was not aware of any plans for last year's payment to be repeated.

He accused Mr Luff of playing political games ahead of tomorrow night's public meeting to discuss education funding at County Hall at 7pm.

"There's no talk of extra cash grants, other than the usual standard fund money and directly targeted grants," said Mr Foster.

"I suspect Peter Luff is trying to score political points so he can somehow claim that the people of Worcestershire have been betrayed when the extra cash is not forthcoming."