I CONTINUE to be concerned about the implications of the proposed new funding formula for schools. Although Wiltshire will see a welcome overall uplift (2.6 per cent), the specific distribution of the extra money stands to leave some of our best performing schools worse off.

On Tuesday I asked a question of the Secretary of State on Monday and followed up by meeting her on Tuesday.

This follows my letter to the Schools Minister, earlier conversations with the Secretary of State, a speech on the floor of the house and taking both grammar school heads to lobby the Minister directly.

The proposed formula is very complex - one reason the new draft proposal impacts the two grammars negatively (under it, the other 8 of Salisbury’s secondary schools will see increases to their funding) is because they have so few children on free school meals and the formula double counts measures of both deprivation, which does not serve the grammars well.

I recognise this is a challenging area and few of the parents who have contacted me in recent weeks dispute that generous consideration should be given to the challenges faced by schools with significant cohorts of pupils with additional needs.

I am proud that our government is willing to tackle the historic geographical inequality in school funding but the detail must be right in order to give the greatest help where it is most needed, without penalising success.

I will continue to work with the grammars - and the few primary schools who find themselves in the same boat - to secure the best deal for all our schools.

Last week, I enjoyed visits to two thriving businesses – high tech manufacturer Tintometer and Independent Living Solutions in Wilton.

I also saw the new shared city centre home of Carer Support Wiltshire and Age UK.

It is always a pleasure to see forward-thinking charities in Wiltshire playing their part in responding to the challenges facing health and care.

By recognising their common interest in supporting vulnerable members of society and the significant overlap between their clientele, the two charities have agreed an innovative deal to share facilities and boost collaborative working.

This Friday I will again be remaining in London for what will hopefully be the conclusion of my Private Member’s Bill.