Local MP Mary Macleod has welcomed a decision from the Treasury that will see an additional £1.2 billion spent on extra school places. The announcement, which was part of a number of measures made in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement on Tuesday, will see an increase in capital spending on schools as well as the introduction of up to 100 new free schools nationally.

Speaking after the Chancellor’s statement Mary commented: “This is good news for Hounslow’s students and teachers. Recent Ofsted inspections and record exam results over the summer show that the standard of local schools is rising. This extra money will ensure that we can increase the number of spaces, ensuring that this trend continues. Given the shortage currently on school places in my constituency I will be speaking with the Treasury over the coming weeks to promote the needs of Hounslow and the need for additional funding.”

The announcement comes as the Chancellor reveals a £1 billion initiative to tackle youth unemployment by providing employers subsidies worth £2,275 to take on 18 to 24-year-olds as well as supporting additional incentives to take on apprentices.

Mary added, “Youth unemployment has been rising since 2004 so I think that it is good news that the government is putting into place initiatives that will tackle this issue. Locally, the number of apprenticeships has doubled in the last year, ensuring that even in these tough times, young people from across the area are gaining the skills and opportunities that they need for their future.”