Local MP calls for more money for Harrogate and Knaresborough schools with older buildings

In Parliament, Tom Gordon, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, has asked for more support for schools which face challenges with maintaining older buildings. This follows Tom meeting with a minister earlier in the year about funding challenges faced by schools in his constituency that are also having to maintain older buildings.

Tom drew attention to the different challenges that schools with older buildings face compared to newer builds, which may well be better designed for 21st century schooling, and face less maintenance issues. Tom’s intervention came as part of a debate around school funding through the Dedicated Schools Grant.

Commenting, Tom said:

“It’s vital that we remember the schools in our older towns like Harrogate that have to make do with buildings that are frequently more challenging to use and maintain than some newer schools.

“It’s vital that the Government recognises this and takes appropriate action to ensure that our schools are able to access the needed funding and keep their buildings suitable for educating our children. They cannot be allowed to fester.

“I will continue to press the Government to provide funding and ensure that they are giving our children the best start in life. That starts with buildings that are fit for purpose, and not allowing them to degrade.”

ENDS