How are school cuts 'opportunity'? - MP

JIM McMahon MP in the House of Commons

MPs DEBATED in the House of Commons the future of education funding, with Oldham forecast to see millions stripped away from its schools.

The Chronicle reported last Friday that the government is due to start a new school spending plan, in an attempt to address what it sees as "unfair" and "inconsistent" funding across different regions.

The National Audit Office found in December that schools will have to make £3billion worth of savings by 2019/20.

On average, schools will see an eight per cent decrease in their budgets over the next five years.

The government has said that the revised formula is designed to create a fairer funding regime.

It claims that the current formula means that some areas benefit more than others, leaving pupils' education in other areas underfunded.

But research led by the National Union of Teachers shows that schools in Oldham will be stripped of £17million, or £414 per pupil.

This could lead to the loss ofmore than 450 teaching staff by 2020. Cuts to Oldham's schools are higher than the national average.

By 2020, all of Oldham's 99 schools will see a reduction in central government funding. Waterhead Academy will see the most (£920,000), while Collective Spirit Free School will have seen the smallest cut to its budget (£7,900).

Since 2013/14, there have been no additional cuts to education in Oldham, however there has been no inflationary growth.

This has caused pressures in schools, as costs have risen in line with inflation.

The government's decision to cut school budgets follows Oldham being announced as one of the Department of Education's new "opportunity areas".

In October 2016, education secretary Justine Greening said Oldham would be one of six towns and cities in England to benefit from a £60million scheme to promote social mobility.

Oldham is due to receive £16million as part of this programme. However, this programme is undermined by the £17million loss to school budgets over the coming years.

Jim McMahon, MP for Oldham West and Royton, spoke up for Oldham during the Wednesday evening Commons debate.

He said: "I am here to speak for the children of Oldham, who, under these proposals, will be significantly affected by money being taken away from their much-needed education.

"I have two young boys, one at secondary school and one at primary school. Both of them will see real-terms cuts to their education provision, as will another 60,000 young people in the town," he continued.

"Every single one of Oldham's 99 schools will see a cut, with the average being nine per cent.

"We are meant to be an opportunity area. According to the government, the roads are paved with educational opportunity gold.

"They say that they have recognised that there are issues and are determined to turn things around, so we should welcome the investment of £16million.

"Unfortunately, they then come and take £17million away.

"I make this plea: next time the secretary of state visits Oldham and my constituency, instead of just giving a courtesy notice, why not attend a round table with the head teachers and the governors to really listen and understand the impact of these cuts?

"If the government really do care, let us have fewer words, more action, and more investment."