Lib Dems Criticise Education Spending Concentrated In Labour Strongholds

9.29.58pm GMT Thu 3rd Jan 2008

There are accusations that public money is being used as a political tool

Billions of pounds are being spent on schools in deprived districts in Labour strongholds at the expense of pupils in more affluent areas, new figures show. Over the past decade, inner-city boroughs have benefited most from a huge surge in spending on books, staff, teaching resources and facilities - with mixed results.

Almost all the local authorities that have seen the biggest increases in spending since 1997 are dominated by Labour councillors and MPs. The Liberal Democrats have called for a National Audit Office investigation into the spending patterns amid accusations that public money is being used as a political tool.

Lib Dem Shadow Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families David Laws states "It is notable that Labour-controlled areas seem to have the biggest increases in funding, and this raises concerns about the fairness of the way in which cash is allocated. The funding of schools is crucial to the prospects for young people, and it must be fair."