The Oldham Liberal Democrats have consistently campaigned against schools’ cuts. They want the Council to write to the Government to fill the funding gap. Schools are underfunded by an estimated 12 Million pounds across Oldham Borough. Councillor Garth Harkness will bring a motion to January 8th full Council in 2020. This is to send a message to the new government to keep their promises.
Councillor Harkness says “There was a government review in 2019 that highlighted the need to fund our schools properly. Oldham Council needs to send a strong, united message to PM Boris Johnson and his new Government asking them to deliver on the findings of the review.”
Councillor Diane Williamson is also supporting the policy: “For every pound that the Government cut and continue to direct away from Oldham Schools, there is a child being deprived of opportunity. We need to stop this and do all we can.”
Copy of Motion: Council 8th January 2020 – Notice of Opposition Business – Motion – Confronting the school’s cuts crisis
This Council notes that:
- Many schools in Oldham Borough are not receiving the minimum funding of £3,500 per pupil for primary schools and £4,800 for secondary schools, as guaranteed by the Conservative Government’s National Funding Formula.
- Oldham Borough is ranked 73 out of 149 local authorities (149 being the lowest funded) in England for 2020-2021 school funding.
- There is an unacceptable shortfall for 2020. Oldham schools are predicted to lose more than £12 million in funding, an average of approximately £238 per pupil.
- Schools are struggling to maintain the standard of education with the level of cuts faced.
- Some schools are attempting to reduce the number of special needs pupils accepted because of the funding gap.
This Council resolves to:
- Have the Leader of the Council write to the Minister of Education asking for recognition of the harm that school cuts are having on the standard of education in this country and in Oldham Borough.
- Have the Chief Executive write to the Minister of Education and the Prime Minister asking them to acknowledge the 2019 Spending Review and address the issue of school funding. The letter should state that all schools must receive the minimum funding as guaranteed by the National Funding Formula, as well as fully funding the High Needs Block.
Proposed by: Councillor Garth Harkness
Seconded by: Councillor Diane Williamson