Skipton MP Julian Smith has welcomed a Government announcement that schools in North Yorkshire will receive £7.1 million extra in 2015-2016 to address historic unfairness in the way school funding is allocated.

The money is part of a proposed £350 million boost to the most under-funded local authorities.

Mr Smith said: “Under the Labour Government a very unfair school-funding system developed, with allocations per pupil varying vastly across different areas for no good reason. Education funding should not be a postcode lottery.

“This announcement demonstrates this Govern-ment is committed to delivering the best schools and skills.

“The extra funding is great news for schools in Skipton and represents a huge step towards removing unfairness.”

Mr Smith has also welcomed news that Upper Wharfedale School, Threshfield, will be asked to give its views to a national review of funding for rural schools, saying: “Rural schools are so important to their communities.”