The Conservatives today make renewed calls to the government to give more cash to Swindon’s schools. 

Cllr Mike Bawden (Conservative), Leader of Swindon Borough Council, in a letter to Estelle Morris, Secretary of State for Education and Skills, urges the government to reconsider the level of funding it gives to the education service in Swindon.

Cllr Bawden writes: 

“The Council has decided to raise the Council Tax by 15.5%.  The bulk of this increase is being used to increase our spending on schools to £2M above the SSA increase.”

 “The Council believes this sum represents an appropriate local contribution towards boosting the level of funding available to education services in Swindon.  I ask the government to again consider whether it might make an additional contribution to boost the level of funding further.”

Commenting on the letter, Cllr Bawden said:

 “Swindon Borough Council has an annual funding shortfall for education of around £6.5M relative to comparable authorities.  The Council has acted decisively to reduce this shortfall with a substantial increase in Council Tax.” 

“We have played our part in trying to resolve the Council’s financial difficulties and at the same time find more money for our schools.  It is only fair that the government now plays its part.”

“I urge the government to respond to our local contribution by offering significant additional money from central funds.  I hope I can rely on our local MPs to pursue this matter with the relevant Ministers on behalf of the town.”