'Hands up for Herefordshire' takes campaign to Westminster.

4.15.07pm GMT Wed 6th Jan 2010

www.handsupforherefordshire.org.uk

The campaign to get fairer funding for Herefordshire's schools has reached the highest level as 'Hands up for Herefordshire' makes its case to Minister for Schools, Vernon Coaker MP. The campaign, organised by local campaigner Lucy Hurds, has the support of Hereford MP Paul Keetch who set up the ministerial meeting.

With Herefordshire schools still the third worst-funded in the country, Paul Keetch and the campaigners will be making this point and showing the effects of this to Mr Coaker. Per pupil, the County receives £387.31 less than the national average & £3,772.98 less than the City of London. Lucy Hurds has been working to change this and supports the introduction of a 'rural sparsity factor' to the way education budgets are calculated. This would benefit rural counties such as ours, which have to deal with extra challenges because of the spread of our population.

With the latest review of school spending to finish early this year, the need for Herefordshire's situation to be recognised has become urgent. The review, carried out by Pricewaterhouse Coopers, will make recommendations on how the current system is working and what should be changed.

Showing cross party support for Lucy Hurds' campaign, Leominster's Conservative MP Bill Wiggin accepted an invitation to attend the meeting, along with Herefordshire Council Chief Executive Chris Bull and representative Head teachers and governors from across the County.

Herefordshire Lib Dems are continuing to fight for better school funding, to end the threats of closure.

"It's a sign of just how important our schools are to the County and its communities," said Lucy Hurds . "Our campaign's aims are being backed by supporters of many political parties, as well as Herefordshire Council and schools from across the County. Those supporting 'Hands Up for Herefordshire' recognise that I want this campaign to avoid any party politics and have signed up in their hundreds - we are simply working to get the best for all of Herefordshire."

Hands Up For Herefordshire can be accessed via www.handsupforherefordshire.org.uk Facebook group: Hands up for Herefordshire or Text 'HANDSUP' to 80010.