Sinn Fein Foyle MLA Karen Mullan
THE planned cut to the school uniform grant should be immediately scrapped, Sinn Féin MLA Karen Mullan has said.
The Foyle MLA was speaking after the announcement from British Secretary of State James Brokenshire clarifying the funds available to the health and education departments.
“It’s certainly ironic that James Brokenshire made this announcement while his government, supported by the DUP, is still pursuing its austerity agenda and cutting the block grant to the North,” she commented.
“Nevertheless, any additional assurance that allows money to be spent on front line services is welcome.
“I have written to both the Education Department and the Education Authority to make it clear there is now absolutely no excuse for the disgraceful cuts they intended to make.
“In particular the cut to the school uniform grant was a direct attack on some of the most disadvantaged families and should be immediately reversed.
”Other key protections for vulnerable children such as the Special Educational Needs budget should also be protected.”
