Education Funding in the Scottish Budget

SNP BUDGET PROMISES ABOVE INFLATION INCREASE IN EDUCATION SPENDING   
OPPOSITION PARTIES MUST BACK FUNDING FOR EDUCATION IN MIDLOTHIAN NORTH AND MUSSELBURGH
 
SNP MSP Colin Beattie has demanded local opposition MSPs Jeremy Balfour back the Scottish Government’s Budget to deliver an above inflation increase in spending for education.  
 
Opposition politicians can show their support for Midlothian North and Musselburgh’s young people by backing the Budgets £158 million increase in education spending - a 3% increase over and above inflation. 
 
The increased funding will be used to reform education bodies, maintain teacher numbers, and improve ASN (Additional Support Needs) services with a £29 million investment. This Budget also includes £120 million for headteachers to address the poverty-related attainment gap. 
 
Additional funding has been allocated to expand breakfast club availability through the ‘Bright Start Breakfasts’ initiative and extend free school meals to primary 6 and 7 children from low-income families. 
 
Commenting, SNP MSP Colin Beattie said: 
 
“The above inflation investment announced by the SNP Scottish Government will make a real difference to young people in Midlothian North and Musselburgh – 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 Labour government has failed to deliver significant investment in education, the SNP 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 Midlothian North and Musselburgh by backing this budget to deliver substantial investment in education.” 
 
ENDS