HAMPSHIRE council chiefs are to protest to ministers over government changes to the way schools are paid for.
New rules mean Hampshire County Council will effectively lose control over school funding in two years' time, the council chiefs have been warned.
Meanwhile, county council leader Ken Thornber has described the move as "a blow to local democracy".
Hampshire schools will eventually lose £22.1m of their current funding in real terms, because of the changes due to come in for the 2006/07 financial year.
County chiefs have always maintained that education is their top priority.
Executive councillor for education Don Allen said: "I do have some concerns about the proposals, both in the short term and longer term, in ensuring that the money which is available for education is spent efficiently to maintain and drive up the standards in our schools."
Liberal Democrat councillor Brian Dash added: "I think this is completely the wrong direction for education to go. I add my voice to the disgust at this."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article