Highland Council removes reduction in school week from immediate proposals

24th November 2014

The SNP/LibDem/Labour Administration of Highland council today announced that, having listened to the concerns of the public regarding proposals to reduce the primary school week, they have decided to remove the proposal from year 1 (2015/16), to allow further work on the detail and to minimise any impact on schools.

Budget Leader, Maxine Smith (Scottish National Party) said: "We are currently considering the responses to our consultation and listening carefully to what people are saying and early feedback suggests there are major concerns regarding the primary school week. I understand that this is now being discussed in other Local Authorities in Scotland, so as this is now a national debate it is only sensible for us to consider further.

"We would therefore like to take more time to review all the implications and any national recommendations, before proceeding. What must remain clear, however, is that we still need to find savings to close the budget gap over the next 4 years, if this proposal is ultimately discarded."

The Council will publish its full Budget Savings Proposals at the end of next week for presentation to the Full Council on 18th December.