For immediate release

Rutherglen Constituency MSP, Clare Haughey, has welcomed the above inflation increase in spending for education in the recent Scottish Government Budget.

Ms Haughey says that opposition politicians can show their support for young people by backing the Budgets £158 million increase in education spending – a 3% increase over and above inflation. 

The increased funding will be used to reform education bodies, maintain teacher numbers, and improve ASN (Additional Support Needs) services with a £29 million investment. The Budget also includes £120 million for headteachers to continue to address the poverty-related attainment gap. 

Additional funding has been allocated to expand breakfast club availability through the ‘Bright Start Breakfasts’ initiative, and extend free school meals to primary 6 and 7 children from low-income families. 

Commenting, Clare Haughey said: 

“The above inflation investment announced by the SNP Scottish Government will make a real difference to young people in Rutherglen and Cambuslang – ensuring improved support for ASN pupils, maintaining teacher numbers, and providing more resources for headteachers to tackle the attainment gap. 

“If opposition parties want more investment in education and our young people, then they must vote for it by backing this Budget. 

“While the UK Labour government has failed to deliver significant investment in education, the SNP is committed to prioritising Scotland’s future by investing in schools, teachers, and our young people. 

“Opposition parties now have the opportunity to show that they support Scotland’s young people and schools by backing this budget to deliver substantial investment in education.” 

ENDS