Liberal Democrats will reverse school cuts in Rainham and Gillingham

The Liberal Democrats have announced that they will spend £10 billion a year more on schools and hire 20,000 more teachers by the end of the next Parliament.

Figures from the National Education Union show that next year (2020/21), schools in Rainham and Gillingham will have seen their budgets cut by £2,997,288 in real terms since 2015, once increasing pupil numbers are taken into account.

This is equivalent to a cut of £191 per pupil. Across the constituency, 10% of schools have seen their spending power cut since 2015.

Alan Bullion, Liberal Democrat candidate for Rainham and Gillingham said: "Young people across Medway deserve world-class schools and colleges so they can get the best start in life.

But instead, the Conservatives have cut school budgets to the bone. Across the country, hundreds of schools rely on handouts from local parents or cut staff numbers to make ends meet. Some schools are even shortening the school day because they can't afford to keep children at school for a five-day week.

As the next MP for Rainham and Gillingham, I will fight to reverse school cuts so that our children can get the resources they need to learn.

Liberal Democrats will build a brighter future for every child in Medway. By stopping Brexit, we can spend £10 billion a year more on schools and recruit 20,000 more teachers to give every child the skills they need to succeed in life."

ENDS

Notes to editors:

A Liberal Democrat government would reverse these cuts to frontline school budgets with an emergency cash injection of £4.6 billion next year.

By 2024/25, the party will spend more than £10 billion extra on schools compared to this year, enough to boost teaching numbers by 20,000 over five years.

The funding will also be used to support children with special educational needs and invest in extra training for teachers.

ALAN BULLION

Alan Bullion works in London for a publishing company and commutes from High Brooms station, where he successfully campaigned for a second ticket machine, as well as more capacity and fairer fares for rail and bus travellers. Alan is a former school Governor and pupil of Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys, and is chair of its Alumni society.

Alan has long been active on a number of issues, such as defending recreation and sports facilities against development. Delivering additional school places and keeping social care to support older people.

Alan has focused on issues such as safer streets and 20mph zones, especially around schools and building up care at local hospitals. Alan also is a great believer in life-long learning, having done degrees with the Open University and Southampton as a mature student.