The Conservative leadership at Derbyshire County Council has cancelled plans to remove funding for school crossing guards in Derbyshire following a strong campaign by Labour activists, councillors and Chesterfield MP, Toby Perkins.

The Council announced plans in June to remove funding for the 108 school crossing guards in Derbyshire which would have placed the onus on schools to pay an average of £4,000k a year and would have led to job losses.

Toby said, “I am very pleased that the Conservatives at County Hall have been forced into a U-turn on this. Schools are under huge financial pressure, which is being exacerbated by changes to the funding formula by Central Government. 34 out of the 38 schools in my constituency are expected to have real terms funding cut and there is no way they could have taken on the burden of paying for school crossing patrols. This would have led to job losses and children placed in potential danger.”

A petition against the cuts was set up by Labour councillors and activitists, securing support from hundreds of concerned parents across Derbyshire. At a full council meeting on 12th September, it was announced that the proposals had been scrapped and the funding for school crossing patrols would be found from “existing council reserves”.

Toby added, “Labour are the last line of defence against Tory austerity both nationally and locally. I am proud that this campaign has stopped another dangerous cut to public services.”

Toby speaking against these cuts on Peak FM in June: https://www.peakfm.co.uk/news/local/chesterfield-mp-urges-council-to-reconsider-proposed-cuts-to-school-crossing-patrols/