James Cunningham

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A PRE BUDGET REPORT INVESTING IN EDUCATION AND FUTURE POTENTIAL

Jim Cunningham MP for Coventry South, today welcomed the Pre-Budget Report unveiled by the Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown, saying it was, “a concrete pledge for further investment to education and our long term future. Labour is making the right decisions for the future, by building on economic stability, investing in public services, science and enterprise, and helping people into jobs and gain skills.”

The Chancellor also announced that, direct payments made to schools for head teachers to spend on what is best for their pupils will increase. With Labour every primary school in Coventry South will be granted an average of £200 per pupil and every secondary school £225 per pupil.

He also announced plans to make Britain the world leader in skills and training so our young people can strive to get good jobs in the future.  Government funded apprenticeships which were dying out under the Tories will be increased from 75,000 in 1997 to 500,000.

Also, every “mother to be” will be eligible for a rise of £80 in the element of child tax credit, extended support offered to lone parents helping them into employment, as well as the basic state pension will rise from next April by 3.6% and the winter fuel allowance, the pension credit minimum guarantee will rise by £5 a week for a single pension and £7.65 a week for a couple.