The Welsh Government formula for funding schools in Wales is not fit for purpose. As a result, school leaders and stakeholders have said that chronic insufficient funding has put schools under serious financial pressure. The system is flawed, with little transparency, coherency and consistency. The danger signals have been apparent for some time. Last year, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development produced a report, and this report argued that differences in local funding models were causing concerns about unequal treatment of schools in similar circumstances. According to the OECD, this lack of a level playing field in school funding could affect the ability of schools to implement the new curriculum. They went on to say that the Welsh Government should consider reviewing the school funding model if they wish to realise its ambition for equity and education and student well-being. The Welsh Government is no stranger to inequitable funding and education. There is a spending gap per pupil of nearly £700 between England and Wales, but this spending gap is replicated between local authorities in Wales, thanks to this flawed funding formula. The leader of the Vale of Glamorgan Council recently highlighted the fact that the spending per pupil in his local authority was £600 below the Welsh average. Every child and young person in Wales should receive the same basic level of investment in their future. It cannot be right that there exists a postcode lottery in school funding in Wales.

The NAHT, the National Association of Head Teachers, has also said, in their quote,

'It is time for an honest, open and mature debate about school budgets in Wales'.

They went on to say:

'School leaders simply don't know if there is enough money in the school system'.

And also they say:

'A national audit is required and we need to see an approach to school funding that is more equitable and transparent'.

Only last week, the Association of School and College Leaders Cymru wrote to the Minister for Education. In this letter, they expressed their frustration and dismay about the severe funding crisis in Welsh schools and the detrimental effect it is having on young pupils and people. They highlighted the effect the funding crisis is having on the Welsh Government action plan, and they quote 'Education in Wales: Our national mission'. The consequences, they say, can be seen in rising class sizes, a decrease in the number of support staff, and the cutting of many activities outside the compulsory curriculum. But they raised one other matter of significant concern, namely the amount of school funding that never reaches the chalk face. It cannot be right that some £450 million of education funding is retained by local authorities or regional consortia. We need a system that funds schools directly and that gives greater spending control to teachers. [Interruption.] Yes, go on.