Harpenden children have been "failed" by a £28 million cut to school spending power, according to the Liberal Democrats.

According to the party, a £133 reduction in spending power per pupil will be present for primary schools in the next financial year, with a £220 fall for secondary schools.

This will push Harpenden and Berkhamsted schools "to the brink" according to the Lib Dems, with an annual growth in school funding cut from 8 per cent in 2023/24 to 3.1 per cent in 2024/25.

The Liberal Democrat candidate for Harpenden and Berkhamsted, Victoria Collins, said: "This Conservative government has failed children in our area.

Herts Advertiser: Victoria Collins, Liberal Democrat candidate for Harpenden & Berkhamsted.Victoria Collins, Liberal Democrat candidate for Harpenden & Berkhamsted. (Image: Courtesy of Victoria Collins)

"Parents in our community should not have to send their children to schools which have had their funding decimated by a conservative 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."

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Nigel Gardner - the Conservative candidate for Harpenden & Berkhamsted - said in response to the concerns: "If the good people of Harpenden and Berkhamsted choose me, I will fight tooth and nail for the best possible financial deal for our local schools.

"For me properly funded education is utterly crucial. It changes lives.

Herts Advertiser: Nigel Gardner, the Conservative candidate for Harpenden & Berkhamsted.Nigel Gardner, the Conservative candidate for Harpenden & Berkhamsted. (Image: Courtesy of Nigel Gardner)

"Investing in education is our future."