Local Government Funding: Rural Areas

Nick Herbert (Arundel and South Downs) (Con): Does my hon. Friend agree that the Government deserve real credit for announcing that they will adopt a national funding formula for schools to ensure that their funding will be delivered on an equitable basis in future, although the formula will be phased in? Should we not simply ask for the same arrangement in relation to wider funding? I am not suggesting any kind of gerrymandering of the system. I am merely suggesting the introduction of simple fairness that would recognise equality of need.

Graham Stuart: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. That is why so many colleagues are here tonight....

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