Education cut overturned in council chamber

A plan to cut £65,000 from the OIC education budget was overturned in the council chamber today, Tuesday.

Earlier, over 30 people from school areas throughout Orkney gathered to protest the cut to the support for learning budget.

The decision to reduce funding in this area by £65,000 — part of widespread savings measure decided by OIC in February, was reconsidered by the Full Council today, following a motion being lodged by North Isles Councillor Stephen Clackson.

He had earlier lodged the notice of motion against the cut which had been backed by fellow councillors, Sandy Cowie, David Dawson, Steven Heddle, John Richards, Gwenda Shearer and Magnus Thomson.

Following discussions, there were no amendments to Councillor Clackson’s motion, and it was agreed that the cut be removed from the budget, and met from the OIC general fund contingency.

Giving his reaction after the meeting, Councillor Clackson spoke of relief that the money was now guaranteed for the service for another year.

Parent Angela Walls first began her campaign against the cuts back in March, shortly after the budget for 2018/19 was decided on by councillors. She also spoke of her relief that the service is to be protected for the year ahead.

Full details and reaction in The Orcadian on Thursday.