SNP stalling while schools crumble

21 January 2009

Margaret Smith has demanded the Scottish Government end the uncertainty over funding for a new generation of schools and other infrastructure projects. Official figures have shown that almost a third of schoolchildren are being taught in crumbling or rundown schools. In a recent Parliamentary debate, Margaret highlighted growing concerns over delays in school building projects in Edinburgh and urged the Government to act.

Commenting, Margaret said: “It is entirely unacceptable for so many Scottish schoolchildren to be taught in crumbling buildings. The Government is taking credit for new schools which were commissioned and started under the previous Scottish Executive while their plans for a new funding system, the Scottish Futures Trust, are a complete shambles. At the election they promised a new not-for-profit funding body that would build new schools but what they've produced is an advisory quango that won't provide cash. UNISON has even condemned it as being ‘PFI lite’ because it will still be a profit making venture for the private sector.

“When the schools and other infrastructure that are in the pipeline as a result of the former Lib Dem/Labour Executive come to an end the construction industry, business leaders and unions have warned Parliament there will be a ‘black hole’ because of the inactivity from the SNP since they came to power. The time wasted trying to find an alternative to PFI/PPP will mean considerable job losses and loss of skills in key areas of the Scottish economy.

“Unfortunately the Tories supported the SNP on this, so the delay in new school projects will continue with serious consequences for the construction industry and our children. The confusion over infrastructure funding also means that the Government has dragged its heels about how they intend to pay for the new Forth Crossing which has an estimated cost of £4.2 billion. This uncertainty is unfair on the people of Edinburgh and Queensferry whose lives will be affected by the new bridge and they deserve to know where the Government intends to get the money to pay for it.”