PRESS RELEASE

27 March 2003

Ottaway says last-minute funding for schools is inadequate and that all-party talks must be held

Richard Ottaway, Conservative MP for Croydon South, has commented on the Government's announcement that an extra £1.30 million is to be made available for Croydon schools.

Richard Ottaway says:-

"This is New Labour spin and is utterly inadequate. Croydon schools need an extra £8 million just to stand still. Without this sum the schools' budget will still be under severe pressure."

"No doubt the Government and Croydon Council will continue to blame each other while the only losers will be Croydon's children. I call on the Government to recognise that this is an emergency and to hold all-party talks where people such as myself are not excluded, as has been the case in the past."

"My constituents pay most of the Borough's council tax. Their representative is entitled to be heard."

Ends.

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