This week, I have written to every local primary and secondary school in the 200 square miles of the Bexhill and Battle constituency to seek the opinions of the Headteachers and Governors about the current funding challenges being faced by our schools. The Government have protected the Schools Budget and, at over £40bl, it has never been higher. However, welcome rises to wages, the living wage and pension benefits are making it harder for schools to balance their budgets. Schools in East Sussex have not received school funding on a level enjoyed by some other counties in the UK. A recent change in the funding formula, aimed at helping rural areas which have historically lost out to cities and suburbs, has not eased the challenge. I have invited the Headteachers to give me their opinions and I have pledged to champion them at every turn when lobbying the Government and speaking in Parliament.