West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has today welcomed news that county schools are set to benefit from a £390 million pot once again to help deliver a fairer funding deal. Last year, the Government announced that cash had been allocated to improve the funding deal for counties like Worcestershire which have historically suffered a lower funding settlement than other counties. The deal delivered an extra £5 million for local schools and this week, the Government confirmed that it planned to repeat this award which will be distributed by Worcestershire County Council. The total allocated to the county will be confirmed in December and local schools are now being encouraged to bid for additional funds. Schools Minister Sam Gyimah wrote to Harriett this week confirming the award and pledging to address the funding issue which has left county schools struggling to manage their budgets. Harriett commented: “I am delighted that this extra funding has been allocated and it looks like the county will get additional funds to help our schools. “I have had meetings with head teachers over the last few weeks and they were keen for me to pass on the message to Government that we need to fix the long-standing imbalance in funding. “The Minister has said that he is committed to fixing this problem and I expect further news from the Department in due course. “This Budget pledge to continue the school funding boost will be welcomed by local schools and I am sure that parents will also be pleased to see that the Government is listening and acting to bring a fairer funding deal to Worcestershire.”