Pupil premium plans risk hardwiring regional inequality into system

EMBARGO: 22:30 Saturday 21st February 2026

Responding to the Government's schools white paper, which proposes changes to the way pupil premium is allocated, Munira Wilson MP, Liberal Democrat Education, Schools and Families Spokesperson said:

“The Lib Dems introduced the Pupil Premium in Government to make sure extra funding followed disadvantaged children throughout their education. We will fight tooth and nail to protect that principle.

“Basing funding on income alone risks hard-wiring regional inequalities into the system. Instead of reshuffling a fixed pot of money – risking new cliff edges that will leave struggling families even worse off – ministers must restore the pupil premium to its 2015 real-terms value.

“Starmer must also guarantee that any investment will rise with inflation, so no child is left without the support they need.”

ENDS