CASH-STRAPPED schools in Colchester are facing further cuts which will mean they will have £186 LESS to spend per pupil in the next year.

Research carried out by the National Education Union revealed schools in Essex will see their spending power drop from £525million in 2023-24 to £489million in 2024-25. In real terms, that equates to £186 less per pupil.

Colchester Lib Dem parliamentary candidate Martin Goss fears the fall in spending power will push already stretched school budgets to the brink, with a worse educational experience for pupils and worse outcomes.

He said: “The Conservatives have failed children all over the country. Parents in our community should not have to send their children to schools that have had their funding decimated by a government that has lost interest in providing high-quality education.

“Investing in education is investing in our future, but this Conservative government has let school buildings crumble and overseen a severe shortage of teachers. Far from preparing the next generation for the future, Ministers have totally abandoned them.

“The Liberal Democrats know that investment in education boosts our children’s futures. The Treasury needs to urgently look at increasing school funding.”