Two East Lancashire schools have been identified as needing additional funding for buildings as the government announced £2.1 billion investment to improve facilities.
In Wednesday's Budget, a strong theme from Chancellor Rachel Reeves, much like the last incoming Labour government, was education, education, education.
The Government committed to £6.7bn of capital investment, a 19 per cent increase from this academic year, with a large proportion being invested into the school rebuilding programme.
In Rossendale, All Saints' Catholic High School, in Haslingden Road, Rawtenstall, and Whitworth High School have been added to the list, first collated in 2022, and will be receiving more funding.
In December 2022, the Department for Education announced Haslingden High School, Colne Primet Academy and The Hyndburn Academy were all identified as in need of refurbishments and were expected to receive millions of pounds.
Following Wednesday's Budget, it has been confirmed the projects at these schools are to go ahead as planned.
Sarah Smith, MP for Hyndburn, said: “This is long-awaited news for my constituents.
"I am incredibly pleased to have been elected under a government that is committed to investing in our schools and young people in its mission to break down the barriers to opportunity.
"I’m delighted to see that within the Government’s Autumn Budget £6.7 billion is being invested to repair our crumbling schools. Hyndburn was even referenced in the Chancellor’s speech on this very topic.
“I am committed to ensuring that Hyndburn remains on the Government’s radar.
"Time and again we see examples of neglect and underinvestment – our hospital in Accrington, our schools, even the state of the roads.
“This week’s announcements demonstrate the difference that a Labour Government makes.
“We are putting money where it matters the most, in creating opportunities for young people and giving them the best education that they deserve.”
The £1.4bn for the school rebuilding programme represents an increase of £550 million to support the current programme, with plans for 100 projects to start across England next year.
More than 500 schools have been identified nationally to be rebuilt with the Budget indicating the government's intention to increase pupil funding.
In February, two East Lancashire schools with collapse-risk RAAC concrete were handed grants to help them remove the dangerous substance, under the government rebuilding plan.
St James Church of England Primary in Haslingden, and Knuzden’s St Oswald’s Church of England Primary Academy will continue to receive financial support, as the budget pledged £1.4bn to the schools in greatest need with RAAC.
Mrs Smith added: “Since being elected as the Member of Parliament for Hyndburn, I’ve worked with Ministers to try and ensure Hyndburn schools get the investment that they need.
“This Government is clearly committed to delivering exactly that by investing in Knuzden St. Oswald’s Primary School, which were found to have dangerous RAAC concrete.
“I’m equally proud to see investment going into Hyndburn Academy and Haslingnden High School.
"The RAAC scandal was only the tip of the iceberg from years of underfunding and neglect in our schools from central government.
“I am grateful that this government, like me, is prioritising the education of our young people."
As part of the government’s manifesto, Labour has pledged to recruit 6,500 new teachers in England and has increased funding to core schools’ budget by £2.3bn to facilitate this, along with £30 million to rollout free breakfast clubs in thousands of primary schools.
Funding for this is to come largely from placing VAT charges on private school fees will be charged at the standard rate of 20 per cent, which Labour hopes will raise the sufficient cash needed.
The VAT hike and removal of charitable rate relief were raised as points of concern by Ribble Valley Council leader Councillor Stephen Atkinson last week.
He raised fears over what it might mean for parents of children with special education needs or disabilities who make up 20 per cent of independent school students, and may not get the specific support they need in state education.
He said: “This is a serious topic. One in five children at independent schools have special educational needs and are waiting for an education health and care plan. It is taking up to two years to get some of these plans.
"Without a plan, they will have to pay VAT, if it is charged. These are children who have suffered trauma and anxiety, and who cannot navigate large groups."
Lancashire County Council, Romero Catholic Academy Trust, Pendle Education Trust and United Learning have all been contacted for comment.
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