Caerphilly committee asks for 'extra £100 million' for ALN

Caerphilly’s Joint Scrutiny Committee has called for a significant rise in funding to support children with additional learning needs <i>(Image: Danny Lawson/PA Wire)</i>
Caerphilly’s Joint Scrutiny Committee has called for a significant rise in funding to support children with additional learning needs (Image: Danny Lawson/PA Wire)
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A council committee has called for a significant rise in funding to support children with additional learning needs.

Caerphilly’s Joint Scrutiny Committee is asking the Welsh Government to commit at least an extra £100 million in its next supplementary budget, with a further £100 million the following year.

Councillor Carol Andrews, cabinet member for education and communities, said: “The topic of additional learning needs featured strongly amongst members of joint scrutiny on 1st September.

“There is clear support from most members that Welsh Government have to increase funding to support children with Additional Learning Needs”.

The motion, put forward by Councillor Christine Bissex-Foster, was backed by 30 votes to nine, with three abstentions.

Councillor Jamie Pritchard, leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council, said: “I will write to the Welsh Government as requested by the cross – party committee.

“I’ve always banged on the door of the Welsh Government, whether Labour or Plaid have been in power.

“That’s what a Council leader has to do.

“This ask of Welsh Government is what the whole of local government and unions have been calling for.

“I know how beneficial multi - millions of pounds of ring - fenced ALN provision would be for schools all over Caerphilly County Borough.”

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