PRESS RELEASE

13 May 2003

INCREASED EDUCATION FUNDS COULD BE IN PIPELINE: OTTAWAY

Following a meeting with Schools Minister, David Milliband MP, Richard Ottaway, Conservative MP for Croydon South expressed optimism that further funds could be found for Croydon's hard-pressed schools budget. The meeting was also attended by Conservative Group Leader Andrew Pelling, Cllr Derek Millard and Croydon Director of Education, David Sands.

Richard Ottaway says:-

"Despite the party difference, we were treated with courtesy and respect by David Milliband. The priority was the education of Croydon's children."

"During the meeting we drew attention to the difficulties caused to the schools budget as a result of the diversion of £1.7 million to non-education priorities, the leap in the Special Educational Needs Budget and the diversion of over £3 million from the schools budget to infrastructure repairs. We pointed out that after the increases in teachers pay, allowances, superannuation and national insurance contributions, this left Croydon's schools with a shortfall of £7.8 million. Much of this shortfall is the responsibility of central government."

"We used as an illustration the acute difficulties faced by Woodcote High School which is looking at a deficit of over £250,000 and Coloma Convent which is facing a cash reduction in its budget."

"The Minister acknowledged the difficulties this has caused and undertook to review Croydon's education budget. I am optimistic that following this meeting we will see an increase in schools funding for Croydon's children."

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