Breakfast club clash
Outcry as administration gets set to scrap loss maker
A political row has broken out over the scrapping of loss-making breakfast clubs in Perth and Kinross primary schools.
The administration voted in favour of the budget, however an SNP councillor has alleged that the council’s only Labour member supported the cuts.
Strathtay ward’s SNP councillor Grant Laing made the allegation against Labour councillor Alasdair Bailey following last month’s budget vote.
Cllr Laing said: “Labour’s Cllr Bailey advised me that, in his view, breakfast clubs are ‘used by middle class people utilising a cheap childcare option.’
“This is not only a completely unsubstantiated assertion, it also shows utter contempt for working families across Perth and Kinross who may pay to drop their kids off at 8am on the basis that it makes work possible.
“I have written to Councillor Bailey inviting him to accompany a local SNP councillor to any one of the breakfast clubs of which he is forcing closure.
“This is in order that he can see the excellent support for our young learners from whatever socio-economic background which his decision will now stop.”
The Carse of Gowrie representative has firmly denied this, claiming he was disappointed the breakfast aspect was removed but pleased there is still a childcare option.
Cllr Bailey replied: “Breakfast clubs will be replaced by safe start drop-offs where demand exists and so although it is a crying shame that I wasn’t able to maintain funding for the food element of the existing pre-school childcare, this is not the end of the road for parents who want to head off to work prior to the start of the school day.
“I took time to compare budget proposals and the Liberal Democrat, Independent, Conservative budget won my support thanks to its inclusion of a three year funding package for bodies and initiatives including Citizens Advice, Fairer Futures and Perth Foodbank.
“It is only with the certainty of a three year funding deal that these organisations are able to plan effectively and keep their staff motivated to continue to deliver great services to those most in need.
“The opposition would have these lifeline services come back to council with a begging bowl on a yearly basis.
“I welcomed and have accepted Cllr Laing’s invitation to attend some of the larger breakfast clubs with his group members.”
Labour’s Alasdair Bailey voted in favour of the budget Laing Cllr Grant