Labour unveils controversial plan to base school funding on parental income sparking fury among families across the United Kingdom

Labour is finding itself at the center of a heated debate after announcing plans to overhaul how schools receive funding.

The proposal, which would see money allocated based on parental income rather than traditional free school meal eligibility, has triggered accusations of class warfare.

Critics argue it could unfairly penalize families who work hard but earn just above the threshold.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson is set to publish a schools white paper today, outlining reforms aimed at reshaping support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and tackling the persistent attainment gap in British schools.

How the Funding Formula Would Change

Central to the plan is a new formula for distributing £8 billion in disadvantage funding.

Instead of primarily considering whether a child qualifies for free school meals, the revised system would take household income, regional factors, and the duration of financial hardship into account.

Supporters of the plan say it offers a more nuanced way to identify and support children who genuinely need extra help.

However, critics claim it risks creating unnecessary complexity and could punish families who just miss income thresholds.

Conservative Criticism Hits Hard

Conservatives have been quick to condemn the proposal, framing it as an extension of Labour’s “class warfare.”

The attack echoes past tensions over a tax raid on private schools, which some see as targeting wealthier families.

Tory shadow education secretary Laura Trott commented, “Every child deserves to receive the support they need.

But it is wrong to narrow the disadvantage gap by dragging everyone down.”

Phillipson Pushes Back on “Class Warrior” Label

Ms. Phillipson has rejected accusations that the reforms are politically motivated.

Speaking to Times Radio, she emphasized that her priority is fairness and opportunity for all children, not punishing families.

“We’ve seen a big expansion, for example, in private equity in specialist schools, where quality is often variable and costs are high,” she said.

“We want to come down hard on those profiting from the system, not ordinary families.”

She also described the new funding model as a “golden opportunity” to weaken the link between a child’s background and their educational success.

Major SEND Reforms on the Horizon

The white paper will also propose significant changes to SEND provision.

Mild cases of conditions like ADHD and autism would increasingly be supported within mainstream schools rather than through costly Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs).

The number of EHCPs has skyrocketed from 240,000 to 639,000 over the past decade, straining council budgets.

From 2029, EHCPs will be reassessed at the end of primary school to determine eligibility more accurately.

Teachers will receive training to better support SEND children, and mainstream schools will share £4 billion in funding to strengthen in-class support.

The Bigger Picture

The proposals reflect a wider attempt to modernize Britain’s education system and ensure resources are targeted effectively.

Yet, the debate underscores the tension between equity and fairness: how can policymakers help disadvantaged children without alienating hard-working families?

What’s Next?

Today, Ms. Phillipson will formally present the white paper to parliament, sparking discussions that are likely to continue in the media and among educators.

Public consultations and further parliamentary debate are expected before any of the reforms take effect.

The government will need to balance fiscal responsibility, the rising needs of SEND pupils, and concerns over social equity, making this one of the most closely watched education initiatives of the year.

Summary

Labour’s new school funding plan proposes allocating £8 billion based on parental income and location rather than free school meal eligibility, stirring accusations of class warfare.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson defends the reforms as a chance to reduce the link between background and educational outcomes.

The plan also includes sweeping SEND changes, reassessing EHCP eligibility and expanding in-school support.

Conservatives have criticized the policy, warning it could punish hard-working families.

The white paper will be officially published today, kicking off consultations and political debate.