Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

School Funding

Wednesday 10 May 2023 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Northern Ireland Department of Education has been allocated 2.6 billion for resource, a 1.8% reduction from 2022-23.
  • Reform in education and other public services is necessary, but requires a restored Executive in Northern Ireland.
  • Policy for growing integrated education is a matter for a restored Executive to address.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Mary Glindon Lab Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend
Education Northern Ireland
Context

The Children's Law Centre warned that cuts to Northern Ireland's budget could violate commitments made under the Good Friday Agreement, particularly for disadvantaged children.

Question

What assessment has been made of the potential impact of reductions in funding for education in Northern Ireland on schools? The Children's Law Centre warns that these cuts may breach commitments to children in the Good Friday agreement. How will budget cuts be prevented from causing harm to vulnerable children?

Answer from Steven Baker

The Northern Ireland Department of Education has been allocated £2.6 billion for resource, which is a 1.8% reduction from 2022-23. The current structural division in the education system incurs a cost of £226 million per year. We must consider how funds can be optimally used.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Details on preventing harm to vulnerable children and ensuring compliance with the Good Friday Agreement

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Q2 Mary Glindon Lab Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend
Education Northern Ireland
Context

The reduction of education spending by the Northern Ireland government is a matter of concern for schools and vulnerable children.

Question

The Government seeks to increase real terms education spending but it is declining absolutely over the next years. Is getting an Executive installed soon necessary to address long-term reform needed in education?

Answer from Steven Baker

Reform is necessary across public services, but structural reform needs a restored Executive. The hon. Friend raises valid concerns about the decline in absolute terms of spending on Northern Ireland's education.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Details on the necessity and timeline for getting an executive installed to address long-term reform

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Q3 Robin Walker Con
Education Northern Ireland
Context

The Prime Minister's recent visit to Belfast emphasized the need for integrated education but current strategy lacks specific targets and funding details.

Question

How will the Government ensure that integrated education becomes the norm when the current strategy does not have student number targets or specify funds allocated?

Answer from Steven Baker

The policy for growing integrated education is a matter for a restored Executive. The first step is to encourage parties to form an Executive and bring forward a strategy.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Concrete details on how the Government will ensure integration becomes norm without a restored executive

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