Spending gap on Welsh pupils approaching 10% - Randerson comment

12.00.00am GMT Wed 28th Jan 2009

Welsh Lib Dem Shadow Minister for Education, Jenny Randerson AM has highlighted Government figures announced today that show the average spend per head on pupils in Wales is approaching 10% or £500.

Assembly Government figures show that average spend in England is now £5, 687 compared to £5, 192 in Wales. Even with London figures, which are historically high, taken out, the gap still runs to hundreds of pounds per pupil.

Jenny Randerson said: "Looking back at figures over the last ten years, the gap between England and Wales is growing and growing. I have no doubt that the Government will try to blame Local Authorities but the blame lies with the Assembly Government and their poor financial priorities.

"They seem to prioritise their pet projects while the bread and butter funding for educating our children is neglected.

"Should they really be piloting laptops for kids when the money to buy books and fund teachers is lagging so far behind England?"

"Just as in my old portfolio of health, I am quickly finding that when it comes to education, this Government is headed in the wrong direction."

Notes:

Wales spend - $5,192 per pupil

England spend - £5,687 per pupil

England excl London spend - £5,507 per pupil

The full statistical release can be found at http://wales.gov.uk/topics/statistics/headlines/locgov2009/hdw200901283/?lang=en