For immediate release

Rutherglen Constituency MSP, Clare Haughey, has demanded that Labour-led South Lanarkshire Council puts the increased funding for education from the SNP Government to good use, and protect education spending in South Lanarkshire in the upcoming council budget.  

A 6.5% increase, delivered by the SNP Government in the recent Scottish budget, means the funding available for South Lanarkshire to increase the local teacher workforce will rise by over £12 million.

This uplift of £186.5 million to increase teacher numbers, as well as £29 million extra funding for the Additional Support Needs (ASN) workforce, are part of a record high £15 billion funding settlement for local government, to deliver the best outcomes for young people in Rutherglen and Cambuslang.  

The MSP slammed Labour MSPs for “failing to do the right thing” – while Green, Liberal Democrat and Alba members engaged constructively with the Scottish Budget process, and ensured the financial boost gets passed on to young people’s education here in South Lanarkshire, Labour MSPs sat on their hands and abstained.

Commenting, Clare Haughey said:

“Labour MSPs failed to support a Scottish budget that brings extra funding for teachers, breakfast clubs, free school meals, Additional Support Needs, and funding to close the poverty-related attainment gap.

“The SNP Scottish Government worked closely with members from other parties to make sure the budget reflects the needs of our communities, showing it is serious about working with others to deliver the best for Scotland.

“Not only did Labour not bring anything constructive to the table, they didn’t even bother to come up with an alternative – they sat on their hands and did absolutely nothing.

“Now is the time for Labour-led South Lanarkshire Council to demonstrate the leadership and responsibility absent amongst their colleagues in Parliament, use this additional funding to protect and invest in education, and deliver the outcomes for young people in Rutherglen and Cambuslang.”

ENDS