SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT BUDGET PROMISES ABOVE INFLATION INCREASE IN EDUCATION SPENDING

SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT BUDGET PROMISES ABOVE INFLATION INCREASE IN EDUCATION SPENDING

OPPOSITION PARTIES MUST BACK FUNDING FOR EDUCATION IN WEST LOTHIAN

Angela Constance MSP has urged local opposition MSPs to support the Scottish Government’s Budget, which aims to deliver an above inflation increase in spending for education.

Opposition politicians can demonstrate their commitment to West Lothian’s young people by endorsing the Budget’s proposed £158 million increase in education funding—a 3% rise above inflation.

The additional funding will be directed towards reforming educational bodies, sustaining teacher numbers, and enhancing ASN (Additional Support Needs) services with a £29 million investment. Moreover, this Budget allocates £120 million for headteachers to combat the poverty-related attainment gap.

Further resources have been set aside to broaden breakfast club availability through the ‘Bright Start Breakfasts’ initiative and to extend free school meals to primary 6 and 7 children from low-income families.

Commenting, Angela Constance MSP stated:

“The above inflation investment announced by the Scottish Government will make a real difference to young people in West Lothian—ensuring improved support for ASN pupils, maintaining teacher numbers, and providing more resources for headteachers to tackle the attainment gap.

“If opposition parties want more investment in education and our young people, then they must vote for it by backing this Budget.

“While the UK government has failed to deliver significant investment in education, the Scottish Government is committed to prioritising Scotland’s future by investing in schools, teachers, and our young people.

“Opposition parties now have the opportunity to show that they support Scotland’s young people and schools in West Lothian by backing this budget to deliver substantial investment in education.”

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