Councillor Jimmy Gray, Leader of the Labour group on Highland Council, comments on the education cuts in Highland Council’s budget
11 February 2008
“We would urge councillors to fully examine the very serious implications of this budget.
“In signing up to the Concordat there are many challenges which will come up over time and which are not being addressed in this budget.
“As an immediate example the Council is committed to reducing class sizes year on year and potentially providing free school meals in the next few years.
“Not only does this budget fail in this but is moving away from it.
“In fact, we are looking at potentially fewer teachers, support staff, dirtier classrooms and more expensive meals than we have currently.
“This is not progress.
“I would encourage all local councillors to examine the effects on their own individual schools before voting for this budget.
“Given the lack of time councillors have had to examine the figures I would urge everyone to ensure they understand the cost to jobs in our most vulnerable sectors which are hidden in the ‘efficiencies’ which are being sought.”
