TORY-run Southend Council is to lobby its own party over sweeping cuts in funding for schools.

Under the Government’s proposed new National Funding Formula, every school in Southend, Castle Point and Basildon will have to tighten their belts to balance their books.

Southend has been particularly badly hit with 37 out of 45 primary and secondary schools facing cuts of more than £100,000 when the funding changes are introduced in 2019/2020.

The dire situation facing the borough’s schools has led to a motion to Southend Council calling for the council to make representations to the Government calling for a review of the funding formula.

The motion was put forward by James Courteney, councillor responsible for children and learning and seconded by John Lamb, leader of the council.

Mr Courtenay said: “This is not right for Southend. I have no problem criticising the Government if it’s not good for Southend. Every school in Southend is going to lose out in some way. We are the 11th biggest losing authority in the country.”

Mr Courtenay added: “It’s important to say that I have no objection to the Government looking at how funding works but we face the greatest losses.

“Some schools are getting up to £9,000 per pupil while we are getting up to £5,000 per pupil.

“We are meeting the Government minister next week with our MPs to point out why this isn’t right for Southend.

“We’ve invested a lot in early years provision in Southend which has brought standards up.

“We are a victim of our own success because low primary attainment gives a funding boost and I wouldn’t want it any other way, but it’s harsh to be penalised for having done well.”

Southend MPs James Duddridge and Sir David Amess are backing the fight for a fairer formula.

Mr Coutenay said: “I’m grateful that both our MPs are supporting us in this issue.”

Mr Lamb said: “This is horrendous. We would suffer all over the borough. We already have dwindling budgets so can’t do anything to help the schools.

“It really does beggar belief. Sometimes you have to stand up for what you believe is right.

“It’s the same with adult social care. We are putting council tax up as far as we can but it won’t be enough. We have to tell the Government this is not right.”