MSP says Education Cuts in the Highlands are a Disgrace
Rhoda Grant, Highlands and Islands Labour MSP, is branding proposed cuts to teachers and non teaching posts in the SNP/Independent run Highland Council budget as a disgrace.
She commented: “And so it starts – the Scottish Government’s policy of passing the buck to local councils is launched.
“This real cost to our classrooms demonstrates the empty headline grabbing promises that the SNP make.
“They say they want to bring down class sizes, promise that money is being made available to do this, then set no targets and remove all ring fencing allowing Councils to do exactly as they please.
“I can not believe that anyone will think we need efficiencies on the chalk face of our classrooms in the Highlands .
“Indeed, constituents are already coming to us with cases of the chipping away of school teacher numbers and poor management support for our rural schools.
“Where is the promised move towards smaller class sizes?
“Coupled with a rise in cost in school dinners and music tuition this is a slap in the face for the futures of our young people in the Highlands ,” said Mrs Grant.
“It’s strange Highland Council’s administration is so keen to opt into the SNP policy of freezing council tax – but despite the increase to their budget they still require to make cuts.
“We all have to take care that crowd pleasing policies from the SNP don’t turn out to be expensive smokescreens for hidden costs and cuts in vital services,” she added.
