Lib Dems Concerned about Excessive Schools' Balances

2.06.00pm GMT Sun 25th Nov 2007

Liberal Democrats are shocked to learn, from a government report, that there is currently £1.7 billion unspent in schools' accounts across the country. In Milton Keynes, about £7 million was sitting in schools' bank accounts in the financial year 2006/07.

The Government has recently concluded a consultation on school revenue balances. It has decided that, despite these considerable sums of taxpayers' money remaining unspent in school accounts, it will not legislate to redistribute a portion of this to other schools.

While the Liberal Democrat administration of Milton Keynes Council applauds schools that manage their finances appropriately, it is also the case that, throughout Milton Keynes, there are schools facing financial difficulties.

Councillor Sandra Clark, cabinet member for schools, said: "It is interesting to note that schools in challenging areas - those with children who have disabilities or English as an additional language - are the schools with deficit or declining budgets. We believe that the time has come for Government to acknowledge that every child matters, not just those who can achieve academic excellence.

"If every child really does matter, the Government must ensure that Councils are empowered to use the money not just wisely, but fairly."