15 October 2008
Whilst councils have criticised today’s disappointing draft local government settlement, there are some crumbs of comfort for education, with the additional money that has been provided for the Foundation Phase and leaner travel.
Cllr Peter Fox (Monmouthshire), WLGA Lifelong Learning Spokesperson said:
“On several occasions over recent weeks the WLGA has publicly welcomed the additional funding that has been made available by the Welsh Assembly Government to support the foundation phase in Wales. The WLGA and local government have been involved in successful negotiations with the Minister for Children, Education and Lifelong Learning, Jane Hutt AM over the recent period and today’s announcement is welcomed given the extraordinary financial pressure that councils are under. Wales’ children should not pay the price for national budgetary pressures and we are pleased that the Assembly Government has recognised this and provided the necessary funding for them to go on and benefit from these revolutionary education changes.”
Also announced in today’s draft settlement was an additional £3.7 million for local authorities to cover some of the provisions in the new Learner Travel (Wales) Measure which has recently been passed by the National Assembly for Wales.
Responding to this Measure and funding announcement Cllr Peter Fox added:
“Local government supports the move to extend the number of pupils that are entitled to free school transport and welcomes the additional funding, but there are still some concerns that this money will not be enough to fully implement the new laws. The WLGA will continue to work with the Welsh Assembly Government to ensure that local authorities are fully funded for any new requirements placed on them.”
For more information contact: Natasha Weeks