VALERIE VAZ MP OPPOSES SCHOOL BUDGET CUTS IN WALSALL SOUTH

On 22 March 2018, 53 banners were erected outside schools in Walsall to protest against Government cuts to school budgets.

Valerie Vaz MP said:

“Walsall schools are facing budget cuts of £9.5 million between 2015 and 2020. A staggering 37% of schools in Walsall have already had staff cut in 2014/15 to 2016/17.”

“The Government has cut £2.8bn from schools in England which has affected 17,942 schools. The Institute of Fiscal Studies has said this will mean a 4.6% cut between 2015 and 2018. I support the protest against school cuts in which 53 banners have been erected outside schools in Walsall as part of 180 banners going up across the West Midlands.”

“Government cuts have starved schools to such an extent that schools have
been driven to ask for donations from parents to pay for books. Some schools have been soliciting parental contributions of up to £600.”

“Class sizes are soaring as there are not enough good school places. I have had a number of constituents contact me as there have been no school places for their child. The severity of cuts mean there are over half a million primary-age children now in large classes over 30, with around 40,000 pupils being taught in classes of 36 or more. Meanwhile the Government are wasting millions on Free Schools in areas where there are no shortages of school places.”

“The Chancellor’s Spring Statement offered nothing to tackle the funding crisis in schools. The Government must reverse its policy of school budget cuts.”