Northern Ireland education leaders demand funding fix

As reported by BNN, top education figures in Northern Ireland have appealed to Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris to address chronic underfunding, warning of a £60 million deficit for 2023-24 and the potential threat to education quality, staff pay, and infrastructure maintenance

The appeal comes amidst a power-sharing boycott by the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), leaving Heaton-Harris with the task of managing Northern Ireland’s finances, including determining the budget for Stormont.

The Education Authority has revealed that schools are predicted to face a deficit of £60 million for the year 2023-24, a consequence of a reduction in the overall education budget. The executives from the seven main education bodies have pleaded with the secretary to end the cycle of underfunding and to ensure that children and young people receive equal treatment.

Consequences of underfunding

Several critical issues were highlighted, including ongoing staff industrial action due to pay disputes, inadequate funds for school infrastructure maintenance, and an increasing demand for support for students with special educational needs. Despite these challenges, education staff remain dedicated, prompting the executives to call for sustained investment, fair pay, and ongoing transformation of services.

Without equitable investment, the executives have warned that the quality of education and outcomes for children in Northern Ireland could be at risk. There is also a concern that the £75 million allocated by the Chancellor in the autumn statement could be used to cover a previous overspend, rather than being invested in public services. This decision, they argue, could disadvantage current and future children of Northern Ireland.

In light of these issues, the education leaders have urged Heaton-Harris to meet with them to discuss these pressing matters, noting that the problems within the education sector are anticipated to continue into 2024 and beyond. The Northern Ireland Office responded by highlighting the £2.6 billion budget allocated by the UK Government to the Department of Education and reiterated the need for a restored devolved government.