Councillors criticised for not backing more cash for schools

1.45.30pm UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 25th Oct 2007

Leading education campaigner David Ward has criticised inner city councillors who failed to support his bid to make sure that schools serving communities that are less well off, receive additional financial support.

Cllr Ward said:

"The link between poverty and poor educational achievement is well known.

"So is the link between those young people who leave school with a low level of achievement, and the risks of not being able to get a job or even falling into low-level criminal activity.

"These are the long term costs of a poor education that far exceed providing schools serving less well off communities with the money to do the job now.

"I am surprised that councillors did not feel that they could support such a move and instead backed the council's Executive which is made up of Councillors who represent wealthier communities.

"I shall continue to campaign to ensure that schools serving less well off communities are given extra support so that all children get an equal chance in life not one determined by their parents incomes or where they live."