Schools cash promise

ELECTIONS 2010 — on the hustings

MORE than £20 million would be given to Oldham’s education chiefs to help the poorest children under plans outlined in the Lib-Dem manifesto.

Leader Nick Clegg pledged to provide a “fair start for all children” by cutting class sizes, reforming the curriculum and revamping qualifications.

His education centrepiece was plans for a £2.5 billion “pupil premium” — which is designed to provide about £2,500 in additional funding for each secondary pupil on free school meals — would lead to £20.5 m extra annual investment in Oldham. The money would follow a specific pupil around and can be used for cutting class sizes, one-to-one tuition or after-school activities.

Mr Clegg also wants an extra 3,000 police officers employed, with 155 being recruited in Greater Manchester.

There would be fewer short-term prison sentences and a “presumption against” jail terms of less than six months, with “rigorously enforced” community sentences favoured. There would be a focus on treatment rather than imprisonment of drug addicts.

Mr Clegg accused Labour and the Tories of “conspiring to airbrush the recession out of the election” and said he was the only party leader who could be honest with the country about measures needed to restore the health of public finances.

Mr Clegg urged voters to try something new and back the Lib-Dems on May 6 in order to “change our country for good”.

Catch up the with candidates at www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk/news-features/elections/