Conservative Government Blunders Costs Local Schools £7.6m

A huge error by the Conservative Government has left local schools in Surrey with millions of pounds less than promised.

Schools were initially told in July they would receive a 2.7% budget rise for the 2024/25 school year. However, in October it was revealed schools would only get a 1.9% rise. The difference is equal to roughly £50 per pupil. 

Across all the schools in Surrey this means a loss of around £7.6m.

Will Forster, Leader of Surrey Lib Dems said:

“This blunder just highlights the staggering incompetence of this Conservative Government.”

“Schools have spent 2 months expecting to receive significantly more funding than they will actually get next year. The Government has not even given them their correct funding figure yet.”

“As a result, schools may have to redraw their budgets for the upcoming year.”

“It’s caused a lot of unnecessary work and stress for our already over-stretched schools and teachers. Indeed, across the country schools in England will receive £370 million less than promised. This could have paid for 9000 more teachers.”

“Just a few weeks after the RAAC concrete scandal, the Conservatives have shown yet again that we cannot trust them to look after our schools.”