15/10/2010

'Fairness' Fund Set Up For Poorest Kids

Government's plans to include a £7bn "fairness premium" for disadvantaged children in the education system, as part of the spending review, will be announced today.

The poorest 20% of pupils will benefit including those who receive free school meals. It will also include free nursery places for two-year-olds, extra money for schools and funding for higher education.

Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, is expected to say that while the spending review will result in cuts, it will also "increase our investments in fairness, and in particular in the promotion of social mobility and life chances.

"It will be an investment package for future fairness."

Chancellor George Osborne is expected to set out cuts worth £83bn on Wednesday in an attempt to reduce the UK budget deficit within the next four years.

Cuts are expected in all Government departments, including education.

Speaking at a junior school in Derbyshire, Mr Clegg is expected to say: "The way we tackle the deficit will be a test of the character of the coalition.

"I am clear that we have a moral obligation to wipe the slate clean. We must shelter the next generation from the legacy of debt - and especially the most disadvantaged children."

He will renew the government commitment to "ensuring a better future for our children".

He will add: "There's been lots of talk of 'red lines' in the CSR process. It should be obvious from what I've said today that the reddest line of all is the one around our commitment to their future."

(BMcN/KMcA)

Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

14 September 2012
Police Chief Considering IPCC Move Following Hillsborough Report
The Chief Constable of South Yorkshire Police, David Crompton, has indicted that officers involved in the Hillsborough disaster may be refer to the police watchdog over possible charges. Crompton said the force was looking into a number of issues to refer to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).
03 July 2006
Proposals to raise smoking age limit unveiled
The government has unveiled proposals aimed at cracking down on smoking amongst teenagers. The proposals include plans to increase the minimum legal age to purchase tobacco and imposing tougher sanctions on retailers who persist in selling cigarettes to under-age teens. Around 9% of children aged between 11 and 15 smoke.
12 August 2005
£56bn clean-up bill for nuclear power
The cost of cleaning up 20 nuclear power stations and associated waste storage facilities in the UK is expected to top £56 billion, it has been announced. The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority announced the figure on Thursday in its first report, since it was established to take responsibility for Britain’s nuclear waste.
26 February 2004
Parents of truant pupils face fines from tomorrow
Parents of truants could be fined up to £100 from tomorrow for failing to get their child into school. The fine - to be imposed as an alternative to prosecution - is part of a package of powers to tackle misbehaviour in schools and anti-social behaviour on the streets.
05 July 2010
School Building Projects Axed
The government is expected to axe a £5 billion scheme to rebuild 700 schools. Education Secretary Michael Gove will announce the cuts over the next five years by putting on hold the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme, set up by Labour.