Schools in North Wales have been short-changed by the Welsh Government according to Clwyd West AM Darren Millar.
The Welsh Education Minister announced details of a seven year programme to improve and develop new school buildings yesterday, but Darren Millar has accused the Welsh Government of re-enforcing the North-South divide after it emerged that just £222m of the total £1,400m has been earmarked for councils in North Wales.
Under the 21st Century Schools Programme the Welsh Government plans to award Anglesey just £7.9m and Conwy £17.95m, compared to £160m for Rhondda Cynon Taff and £137m for Cardiff.
Darren said:
‘Whilst any cash to improve and build new schools is to be welcomed, I am very disappointed to see that the Welsh Government has short-changed North Wales yet again.
‘Many school buildings in North Wales are in a poorly maintained condition with many pupils being educated in decaying mobile classrooms which provide unacceptable environments for learners and teaching staff.
‘I don’t see why councils in North Wales such as Anglesey and Conwy should be so pitifully funded compared to other parts of Wales – it’s wrong to treat the region in this way and it re-enforces the perception of a North-South divide in the country.
‘The Minister must look again at his proposals to ensure that North Wales gets a fair share of this investment.’
