Boost for Schools in Newcastle Will Help to Boost Economy
Nick Brown MP has welcomed news that schools across Newcastle will get extra funding this year.
As part of the Government’s efforts to support local businesses and jobs through the recession, millions of pounds of spending on school buildings and repairs are being brought forward from 2010/11 to 2009/10.
Every school in Newcastle will benefit with £1,684,455 of funding brought forward from next year to this year – making a total of £5,895,593 of spending this year. The funding will go direct to headteachers and schools can choose how to spend the money as they see fit, from building new classrooms or science laboratories to fitting out new gyms or ICT facilities.
However, Lib Dem controlled Newcastle City Council has not bid to bring forward spending for bigger school building projects which has been offered to every local authority in the country. Up to £3,524,168 of spending could have been brought forward.
Nick Brown MP said: “I hope local schools will get on and spend the money – not just to improve facilities for pupils but to support small businesses and jobs in our area too.
“I’m shocked that the Lib Dems on Newcastle Council have not taken up the Government’s offer to bring forward spending on school building projects co-ordinated by the Council.
“The Lib Dems in Newcastle should be supporting the Government’s efforts to increase spending this year to boost the economy. It’s wrong that local schools and businesses will miss out. Newcastle Council should think again.”