MP welcomes more money for additional school places in Cumbria

South Lakes MP, Tim Farron has welcomed the announcement that Cumbria will receive an additional £799,599 this year to relieve the pressure on school places.

This is part of an additional £600m of capital spending inEnglandthis year, which is for investment in, for example, extra classrooms. This comes on top of the £800m to address the shortage in pupil places already announced for 2012-13.

Commenting, Tim said: "This is fantastic news for families across the South Lakes and Cumbria. Pressure on our schools has been allowed to continue for too long, but this extra cash will create more school places, enabling more children to get into their first choice schools.

Commenting further, Liberal Democrat Minister for Children, Sarah Teather said: "There is a pressing need for additional school places and the Coalition Government is doing the right thing by making an extra £600m available this year.

"This means extra money for more classrooms, so that more of our children can get the school place they deserve. It will be a real step towards ensuring we give every child a fair start in life, regardless of their background or where they live."