On Monday 5th September, Anna Firth, Member of Parliament for Southend West, called for extra financial assistance to keep schools open this winter.
Speaking on the first day of the new Parliamentary Term in an Urgent Question in the House of Commons, Ms Firth asked what assistance is being provided by the Government to ensure that schools can afford their heating bills this winter.
Anna’s full question was:
“I welcome the Minister’s statement and the support for individuals and businesses, but may I raise with him the issue of schools? Southend West is home to 30 excellent schools, and many heads have been in contact with me, concerned that they will not be able to pay the utility bills. One has even trailed in the local press the possibility of opening for only four days a week. Can he assure me that it is the Government’s priority to make sure that our children’s education does not suffer as a result of the energy crisis, as it did as a result of the coronavirus crisis?”
Commenting, Anna Firth said,
“School students suffered hugely during the Coronavirus pandemic, with their education seriously disrupted by school closures. This had wide-ranging impacts, especially for the most vulnerable children.
“The rise in energy prices is a worry for everyone – individuals, businesses and schools. I have been contacted by heads who have expressed concern that they may not be able to keep schools fully open this winter, and there have been reports of schools considering a four-day teaching week in order to be able to afford their heating bills.
“We cannot allow our children’s education to be disrupted again, and the Government must make it a priority to ensure our schools stay open this winter.
“I raised this with the Secretary of State, and I was delighted to hear that the Government is taking this extremely seriously.”