West Lothian Council Must Protect Funding for Teachers in Budget

West Lothian Council Must Protect Funding for Teachers in Budget

Angela Constance MSP Calls on Local Administration to Put Children Before Party Politics

Angela Constance MSP has urged West Lothian Council to make full use of the increased funding for teachers provided by the Scottish Government and protect education spending in the upcoming council budget.  The 3.9% increase in funding, delivered by the Scottish Government in the recent Scottish Budget, means that West Lothian Council will see an additional £7,234,000 to support and expand the local teacher workforce.

This uplift is part of a £186.5 million national increase aimed at boosting teacher numbers, alongside an extra £29 million dedicated to Additional Support Needs (ASN) staff. These investments form part of a record £15 billion funding package for local government, ensuring the best outcomes for young people in West Lothian.

Angela Constance MSP is calling on local opposition politicians to do the right thing support the Scottish Governments Budget and ensure this additional funding reaches schools in West Lothian.

Angela Constance MSP said:

"I welcome the substantial increase of £7.2 million from the Scottish Government to help West Lothian Council increase teacher numbers in our schools. Now is the time for West Lothian Council to use this additional funding to protect education and put local young people ahead of party politics. This funding will only be available if opposition parties back the Scottish Government's Budget in the Scottish Parliament. That’s why I’m urging Labour and Tory MSPs to support the Budget and deliver  this much-needed investment for children in West Lothian."

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