LGA responds to NAHT survey on school funding

Responding to a survey by the NAHT revealing the cuts schools are having to make as a result of rising costs and funding pressures, Cllr Louise Gittins, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Children and Young People Board, said:

“These findings are very worrying and highlight the significant pressures on schools.

“Many schools have been raising concerns about their financial stability with councils as the rising costs of fuel, energy and food for school meals have an impact, alongside the need to fund agreed pay rises, including for teachers. Councils continue to monitor this and work closely with schools.

“At the same time, councils and local services are facing massive financial challenges, following the sharp rise in inflation. Alongside increases to the National Living Wage and higher energy costs, this has added at least £2.4 billion in extra costs onto the budgets councils set in March this year.

“This is why we are calling on the Government in the Autumn Statement to come up with a long-term plan to manage this crisis as part of our campaign to save local services.”