MacLaren - No Cuts for City School Funding

1.00.00pm GMT Mon 2nd Feb 2009

Long term lack of investment by Labour has really hit James Gillespie's High School

Edinburgh Liberal Democrat Education Convenor Councillor Marilyne Maclaren has announced today that there will be no cuts in direct school funding in the forthcoming financial year

Speaking at the Edinburgh Headteachers' Conference on Monday 2 February Councillor MacLaren said; "I am very pleased to be able to announce that the Administration will be protecting schools in the forthcoming budget, and therefore there will be no cuts to direct school funding this year. In a very tight financial situation, this underscores the Administration's overwhelming commitment to education and young people. Our children are indeed our future and they deserve a high quality, educational service to realise their potential. I believe that happy, healthy and well educated children are worth paying for."

Edinburgh South Liberal Democrat MSP Mike Pringle said, "This is good news for Edinburgh's school children. The new council administration inherited a terrible legacy from Labour. I am delighted that there will be no cuts in direct school funding this year. "

The Liberal Democrat led council has had a tough financial settlement to deal with. Finance Convenor Councillor Gordon Mackenzie said "Setting this budget has been difficult given the current financial climate but this decision is in tune with the public's priorities and shows that we have been listening to people of Edinburgh"