FOR 2004-05, a child in Worcestershire received £750 less each year than their Birmingham counterparts in school funding (real terms).

In 2005-06 the cash gap now stands at £840 less per child per year.

Back in 1998, the cash gap deficit was "only" £260. Birmingham children (including all the ones in the leafy suburbs) are not now three times more deprived than Worcestershire children, than they were eight years ago, are they?

HELEN DONOVAN,

Evesham.