Figures revealed by Haringey Liberal Democrats have uncovered the shocking cost of private funding to Haringey’s local schools. In answers to questions posed by Lib Dem Cllr Gail Engert, Haringey Council confirmed that Haringey’s secondary schools would be liable for Private Finance Initiative (PFI) back payments totalling over £2 million.

The extra payments follow the review of PFI contracts that will also see schools facing increased annual charges of around £1 million on top of the back payments. Lib Dems are concerned that the increase in the pressure on schools budget may harm the service that schools are providing to children in Haringey.

Cllr Gail Engert, Haringey Liberal Democrat Children and Young People Spokesperson comments:

“I am totally shocked by these figures. In combination they are around £3 million which is the equivalent of the salary costs of around 85 teachers. Education funding is at best tight but now as schools face these enormous back payments and increased annual charges we may see school’s struggling to provide for Haringey’s young people.”

Lynne Featherstone, MP for Hornsey and Wood Green adds:

“The PFI chickens are coming home to roost. The cost of these appallingly negotiated contracts must be met by the Government or Haringey Council who are entirely responsible for setting them up in the first place. The schools must not be made to pay for Labour’s mistakes.”