The shortfall in the cost of upgrading school kitchens can easily be met from Bradford council’s massive reserves, Respect’s Bradford education spokesman claimed.

“The government decision that all children under seven can have free school meals from next year is worthy in intent but botched in execution,” said Peter Davis, Respect’s Heaton candidate and education spokesman. “There may well be a shortfall of several hundred thousand in what’s being provided from central government to upgrade school kitchens, but has Councillor Ralph Berry looked at the council’s bankbooks? Because unless things have changed dramatically recently the council is sitting on unused funds of over £210million. And that’s £17million up on 2011. As usual he’s crying wolf about penury.”

Davis continued, “No one is saying that all of these millions should be spent recklessly but keeping a healthy – rather bloated – bank balance comes at the expense of the health of Bradfordians who are suffering cut after cut while paying more and more in council tax. With this administration it’s always less for more.”

The Heaton candidate added: “Keeping huge amounts in reserve is also counter-productive because all it does it provide ammunition for this government that further cuts can be made because the council can afford to subsidise them out of its reserves.”

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Further information: Ron McKay on 07980 675998      Peter Davis on 07445 429636