Schools being handed the most generous settlement in a generation is “in part tribute” to the work of Shipley MP Philip Davies, a Government minister has said.
Schools Minister Nick Gibb said Mr Davies had campaigned tirelessly to ensure more cash for schools across Shipley and congratulated him in the Commons today.
The praise came as Mr Davies demanded extra money promised for schools in last week’s finance settlement must be frontloaded.
Speaking in Education Questions Mr Davies said the extra cash was much needed and praised ministers for securing the additional funds from the Treasury.
He said: “As the minister knows I have been arguing for this for quite some time. Can I urge them to frontload this money because as we know the cost of schools have outstripping the income they have been receiving and they need this money through as soon as possible.”
And Mr Davies invited Bradford educated Education Secretary Gavin Williamson to visit schools across the constituency – an invitation he accepted.
Schools Minister Nick Gibb said: “I pay tribute to my hon. friend (Mr Davies) for the work and campaigning he has done to secure extra funding for schools in his constituency.
“I would say he has been successful in ensuring we have the generous school settlement for a generation and that is in part tribute to his work and the Secretary of State.”
Mr Davies has held numerous meeting with education ministers and written to the Treasury demanding extra cash for the area.
He added: “Education is so important and I will continue to push for more funding and resources for our schools and colleges across the Shipley constituency at every given opportunity. I have never been afraid of repeating myself, asking for things and telling ministers what our area has to offer and I will keep demanding action to ensure our area gets the best possible deal. I was delighted we secured extra money last week and I will be following up today’s demands of frontloading with ministers to ensure schools get the money they need as soon as possible.”