La sham 6800 million extra for education in the Autumn Statement.
This extra money is a cynical ploy— not without some success-to defuse the anger that FACE has tapped into ana gaven a focusBecause what the Government has done is increased the Education Standard Spending Assessment-the set spend to provide education-at the expense of other services.
The cash going to councils has only seen a tiny increase and there will be massive increases in the councl tax. so ELiMINATE. 15,000 jalhed march FACE demonstration in other words, each of us is expected to pay more for reduced services.
What are the priorites for FACE over the next year? Education cuts are going tb happen again and the blame culprits - the Tories.
But FACE must also continue to Phatx Aidrew Wiard press all political parties for a commitment to fund education according to need and for class sizes to be immediately limited to 30.
The reason the NUT leadership has turned its back on FACE can mainly be explained by campaigners placing this particular demand on the Labour 10,000 ceaching jobs were axed this financial year because of council cuts. It is plain for anyone who cares to look into classrooms that this has led to Increases in class sizes. And as many schools have used up balances to stave off job cuts, the impact this year could be even worse.
This will be especially true if, as seems likely, pay awards are not funded centrally. The Tories wil be hoping that they have gor away with their budget sleight of hand.
FACE's task is to expose conjurer Clarke for the charlatan that he is.
Socialist Outlook 96 • February 3, 1996.