MSP WELCOMES EDUCATION BOOST FOR FIFE

Published date : 03 Mar 2017

Fife Council benefited from a nationwide increase of 2.7% in education spending last year – thanks to Scottish Government efforts to close the attainment gap and provide local authorities with a fair funding deal.

Net spending on education by local authorities across Scotland rose to £4.7 billion last year – the biggest spending area of the total £10.1 billion service expenditure in 2015-16, proving once again the SNP’s commitment to improving Scotland’s education system.

Last week’s budget saw local authorities benefit from £160 million of additional funding to help with service provision at a local level, as well as the £9,787,200 Attainment Fund money given to schools in Fife earlier this month as part of the National Attainment Fund.

Commenting, MSP for Mid Fife and Glenrothes, Jenny Gilruth MSP said: “These statistics prove once again that the Scottish Government is providing a strong funding deal for Fife and is doing all it can to help close the attainment gap and improve the education system in Fife.

“Last week’s budget saw additional funding for Fife Council to help with service provision at a local level – building on the excellent funding package for local services revealed in these figures.

“The Scottish Government has consistently said that education is its number one priority, and it is heartening to see that action is being taken to support Fife schools – through a 2.7% increase in funding last year and with the effective action taken in the budget this year.

“The £9,787,200 Attainment Fund money provided to schools across Fife through the Scottish Attainment Fund further proves the Scottish Government’s commitment to improving our education system – and action will continue to be taken by the SNP to make sure that every child, no matter their background, gets an equal chance in life.”

Local Reporters, EDUCATION