Major promises more cash for schools

The Government will this week promise more money for every school in the country as part of a new deal which will marginalise local education authorities. The move forms part of the long-awaited White Paper on Education, designed to increase selection and boost the number of grammar schools.

By restricting the role that local education authorities can play, ministers will divert to schools more of the cash which currently goes to town halls.

This will have the effect of making all schools similar to grant-maintained schools, which have opted out of local education authority control and have complete control over their budgets.

One source described the White Paper as "a massive step towards making all schools like GM schools".

The scope of the White Paper, which John Major is expected to launch, is an indication of the Conservatives' determination to make education a prominent issue at the general election.

As well as giving schools more say over how money is spent, the plan will give head teachers and governors greater powers over other key areas.

After months of speculation about the fraught relationship between Gillian Shephard, Secretary of State for Education and Employment, and the Prime Minister, the Government hopes the White Paper will set a new vote-winning agenda on education. Mr Major and Mrs Shephard are expected to launch the document jointly, in a move designed to demonstrate solidarity between the two. Inside story, page 17