Dear Editor,

New research undertaken by the House of Commons Library has found that since 2015 real terms education spending per child has fallen by as much as £521 in Hampshire. Hampshire’s astonishing education cut is the fifth biggest drop in real terms funding per child in the entire country. Yet as we all know some of the greatest areas of deprivation in England are here in Hampshire including areas of Andover. Not only is education funding being slashed but we are also not being included in new education levelling up fund.

The Liberal Democrats are demanding that all areas who have suffered cuts in education spending receive new funds. We are also calling for £15 billion of catch-up funding, as was recommended by former Education Recovery Commissioner Sir Kevan Collins. We propose that £5 billion of this should be provided in £200 catch-up vouchers for every child, or double that amount for disadvantaged pupils, putting money into the hands of parents to spend on what their children need most.

Liberal Democrats believe passionately in education and equality of opportunity. We must invest in young people and their futures - they have already suffered so much from this pandemic and months away from their teachers and friends. These funding cuts are an utter disgrace. The Conservative Government is letting families and children in Hampshire down. They deserve much better than this. Levelling up is just a political tactic to win votes in the North of England. The South East of England is being overlooked by the Tories, local children have seen money for their education squeezed down.

This Government has deprivation blindspots. They do not recognise that inequality exists across the country and any cut to education spending will hit children hard. Do not be afraid to point the finger at your local Tory county councillors and MPs. Instead of talk we need action.

Cllr Luigi Gregori, Liberal Democrat parliamentary spokesperson for North West Hampshire

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