A huge error by the Conservative Government has left local schools in Surrey with millions of pounds less than promised.
Schools were initially told in July they would receive a 2.7% budget rise for the 2024/25 school year. 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 Surrey this means a loss of around £7.6m.
Will Forster, Leader of Surrey Lib Dems said:
“This blunder just highlights the staggering incompetence of this Conservative Government.”
“Schools have spent 2 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.”
“It’s caused a lot of unnecessary work and stress for our already over-stretched schools and teachers. Indeed, across the country schools in England will receive £370 million less than promised. This could have paid for 9000 more teachers.”
“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.”
Surrey’s schools are set to be hit with a £24.8m cut to spending power in 2024/25. The Surrey Lib Dems are calling for the Government to boost funding for local schools as they struggle to balance the books.
