THE Government has little sympathy for staff at Droitwich Spa's poorly funded schools, according to the town's Tory MP.

Mid-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff led a debate at the House of Commons on unfair county education budgets last Wednesday.

He condemned the response from Labour schools minister Ivan Lewis, who Mr Luff said showed little sympathy with staff, pupils and parents.

Mr Luff posed four questions but said: "I only got one full answer to one question and a partial answer to another. The minister confirmed a new formula would be introduced that would, he claimed, be fairer."

Mr Luff added: "The minister preferred to engage in a foolish and lengthy defence of the crude lobbying tactics of the county's two labour MPs, rather than set out how the Government would tackle our rotten deal."

He said a decision not to repeat the current year's extra payment of £1.35m was a slap in the face.

Worcestershire County Council's Labour leader, Cllr Peter Pinfield (Droit.Town), said: "Last year, the Government made it clear the £1.35m was a one-off payment.

"Worcestershire schools are in a very difficult situation and we may have to look at taxpayers as a source for more money."