H&F Council Pledges to Fight Against School Funding Cuts

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And is asking local parents, carers and guardians to get involved

Hammersmith & Fulham Council says it is stepping up its fight against Government plans that could see funding for local schools slashed – and is urging parents, carers and guardians to get involved.

The council says changes to the way the Government funds schools across the country are likely to have a negative impact on schools in our borough, with some projections predicting each school will suffer a cut of 10%.

Such cuts could threaten jobs, hit the range of subjects taught, and even damage the long-term viability of some schools.

" We know that the tremendous work undertaken by teachers, governors, parents and carers each and every day makes our schools thrive. Any cuts to funding will make that work more difficult," says Cllr Sue Macmillan, H&F Cabinet Member for Children and Education.

" I have been talking to schools about this issue for some months now, but it is crucial that people are aware of the Government’s plans and what we can do together to oppose them. That’s why we are launching a borough-wide drive to involve all those who care about our local schools to join with us in fighting these plans."

The council say that essentially the Government is looking to cut funding from authorities like H&F to redistribute that money to authorities outside of London that have historically invested less in their schools.

The Government is expected to make a formal announcement in the coming weeks, and also launch a consultation on their plans.

Parents, carers and guardians can be the first to know when this happens, and also have their say on the plans, by visiting the council's Fair Funding page.

" Just as Hammersmith & Fulham Council invested in education for many years, it is right that the Government should invest in education outside London - but not at the expense of our schools," Cllr Macmillan says.

" It’s really important at that point that as many people as possible get involved in the consultation. The council is determined to do all it can to safeguard funding for all schools in our borough. The arguments we make when the government announces its plans will be made all the more powerful with your support."

June 22, 2016