Conservative Government Blunders costs local schools £1.4 million

Anthony Lowe, Lib Dem Parliamentary Spokesperson for the Wrekin, has highligted a huge error by the Conservative Government which has left local schools in Telford & Wrekin with thousands of pounds less than promised.

Schools had initially been told they would receive a 2.7% budget rise for the 2024/25 school year in July. However in October it was revealed schools would only get a 1.9% rise. The difference is equal to roughly £50 per pupil. 

Across all the schools in Telford & Wrekin this equates to more than a £1.4 million loss.

“This blunder just shows up the staggering incompetence of this Conservative Government," Mr Lowe emphasised. "Just a few weeks after the RAAC concrete scandal, the Conservatives have shown yet again that we cannot trust them to look after our schools.”

“Schools have spent two months expecting to receive significantly more funding than they will actually get next year. The Government has not even given them their correct funding figure yet.”

“As a result schools may have to redraw their budgets for the upcoming year.”

“Yet another Conservative blunder has caused a lot of unnecessary work and stress for our already over-stretched schools and teachers.”