BRIDGEND Labour today promised to stop the school cuts imposed on the area by the Liberal Democrat, Tory & Independent administration

Labour said that people in the county were ashamed that:
•    Funding for schools was 5.8 per cent lower than the Welsh average
•    Compared to the rest of Wales, children receive less and less funding each year
•    Other councils with less resources, spend more than Bridgend
•    Cuts were being imposed despite the fact that Bridgend received the second highest increase in funding from the Labour Assembly
•    School instrumental music lessons were under threat
•    The council has wasted hundreds of thousands of pounds on expensive outside consultants – but could not properly fund its schools

Bridgend Labour education spokeswoman ALANA DAVIES said:

“This is a record of deep shame for Bridgend. Education is the most valuable service offered by local councils and for the Liberal Democrats, propped up by the Tories and Independents, to have slashed the budget so much is a disgrace.

“If the Liberal Democrats and Tories funded our schools at the Welsh average, then every primary school would receive an extra £32,000 – that’s enough for an extra teacher or two classroom assistants. Each secondary school would receive an extra £180,000, enough to employ five teachers.

“Compare this to the record of neighbouring Labour-run councils. Rhondda Cynon Taf invests an extra £127 in every child, and Neath Port Talbot an extra £315 in every child.”

Bridgend Labour leader MEL NOTT said:

“We are talking here about the very future of the County Borough of Bridgend. That is why I promise that if Labour wins control of the council in May then we will put an end to these vicious cuts. We need to invest in our children, not punish them.

“I pledge that if we are elected, we will increase investment in every child in the County Borough, in every school in every town, in every valley and in every village, year on year throughout our term of office.

“There is no task more pressing, no priority more urgent. No child will be left behind with Labour.”