MINISTERS are being urged to halt plans to carry out 'unacceptable' cuts to school funding that could hinder the 'life chances and wider wellbeing' of children in Warrington.

Councillors unanimously backed a motion calling for the Government to reconsider elements of the national funding formula to 'ensure it delivers a more equitable outcome' for youngsters in the town at Monday's full council meeting.

However, Warrington South MP David Mowat has offered head teachers fresh hope after meeting schools minister Nick Gibb.

He said he is hopeful the final proposals ‘will be different and better for Warrington’ following the public backlash.

Following the support from Town Hall members, the authority will be calling upon Justine Greening, secretary of state for education, to ensure Warrington's schools are funded to 'a level where they can operate efficiently'.

The motion also asked for support from both of the town's MPs.

Cllr Rebecca Knowles (LAB – Chapelford and Old Hall) proposed it and highlighted the widespread support from residents – more than 6,900 people in the town have signed a petition calling for the formula to be reconsidered.

She said: "It is of paramount importance that the children in this town do not have their opportunities to succeed compromised by inadequate funding of their education, simply by a quirk of having been born in an area with a low-funded local authority

"I am sure that we all share the wish to support young people's life chances and wider wellbeing.

"If Warrington is saddled with the new formula as it currently stands, the impact of continued under-investment in our schools will compound year-on-year.

"We will inevitably see a downturn in school performance as head teachers struggle hard to maintain current provision, let alone improve it. That is not acceptable."

Cllr Cathy Mitchell (LAB – Burtonwood and Winwick), who seconded the motion, said the measures will result in larger class sizes, cuts in the curriculum and fewer staff, if implemented.

She added: "Schools across Warrington have a strong track record of managing within tight budgets.

"Under the new formula, Warrington would be one of the worst-funded areas for education nationally, placing us 141st in the country out of 150.

"How can this be, when there are still pockets of deprivation in Warrington?"

Cllr Jean Carter, executive board member for children's services, said she is 'more than willing to sit down' with both MPs in the town to discuss the issues.

She added: "I have been willing for three years – that has not happened but the offer is still there."

Mr Mowat has offered fresh hope after discussions with Mr Gibb.

He said: "I made the case for Warrington as to why the funding formula they are proposing in the consultation is not right.

"I think when we come forward with proposals, as to what will actually be done, I think it will be different and better for Warrington."

The town is already the 10th worst funded area in the country for education but under the Government’s new plans, the situation would become even worse for most schools.

Under the new formula – and based on current pupil numbers – the difference in funding between the best-funded schools and Warrington schools would be almost £2,500 per pupil.

The Government is currently conducting a consultation on the proposals.

The new formula is due to be introduced in April 2018.

Have your say on the Government's consultation into school funding before March 22 by visiting warrington.gov.uk/schoolcuts.