Mary Welcomes Boost For Wakefield Schools

5th March 2009

Mary Creagh MP has welcomed news that schools across Wakefield will get extra capital funding this year.

As part of the Government's efforts to support local businesses and jobs through the recession, millions of pounds of spending on school buildings and repairs are being brought forward from 2010/11 to 2009/10.

Every school in Wakefield will benefit with £2.5 million of funding brought forward from next year to this year - a total of £9 million of spending this year. The funding will go direct to headteachers. Schools can choose how to spend the money as they see fit, from building new classrooms or science laboratories to fitting out new gyms or ICT facilities. Most Wakefield primaries will receive nearly £50 000 to spend on building improvements.

The Government has also allowed Wakefield Council to bring forward £1 million for larger school building projects coordinated by the local authority – making a total of £11.7 million of spending this year.

This week's announcements mean a total of £20.7 million will be spent on school buildings and repairs in Wakefield from April – £3.5 million of it brought forward from the following year.

Mary Creagh MP said: "It is vital that we support the economy at this difficult time, so I'm delighted that every school in Wakefield will benefit from this injection of extra funding. The money will not just be used to improve facilities for pupils but to support small businesses and jobs in our area too.”