SCHOOLS throughout Worcestershire have been promised an extra £5m to add to the pot - if county council bosses succeed in getting more cash from the Government.

The pledge to add £5m to the education budget follows a crisis meeting with ministers in London after county council bosses complained about a "ridiculous" grant for 06/07.

A delegation went to London last Tuesday to try to get a top-up to the £69m it had been awarded.

Authority leaders said the meeting is worth £10m - and if they get it, £5m has been earmarked for schools. Primary schools, secondary schools and post-16 providers of education will all benefit from the extra money.

"It will make a huge difference across the region if we can get it," said Cabinet member for finance Coun Adrian Hardman.

"Both primaries and high schools would all benefit from the money, as well as some post-16 education institutions, so it would be inclusive to all. It's a considerable chunk of money that will help offset the constant under funding the county council is under.

"We know exactly where the money will go, we have made our plans, and now it's a case of waiting to see what we get from the Government."

Bosses face a wait until the end of the month while the Government considers whether to award any cash.

West Mercia Police and the district councils will also receive extra money if the authority gets anything over £5m. Although it has been given no clear indication on how successful the meeting was, the council is hoping for the full £10m.

If it does not get a funding increase for 06/07, it plans to make savings on everyday items such as stationery and toilet roll to avoid staff redundancies in order to provide the same level of service.

Council tax is due to increase five per cent this year to make up for some of the shortfall, while finance bosses have made plans to withdraw £5m from savings to help the budget stand up as it is.