Chipping Barnet MP Theresa Villiers has welcomed £500 million of energy efficiency upgrades for schools and colleges after she pressed the Chancellor for the money in advance of the Autumn Statement.
The Government announced the extra funding will help schools and colleges save on their energy bills this winter and manage energy consumption to improve energy efficiency.
On average, a primary school will receive approximately £16,000, a secondary school around £42,000, and further education college groups about £290,000.
Work will include installing better heating controls, insulation to reduce heat loss from pipes, or switching to energy efficient lighting.
“This announcement is really welcome. I am pleased the Government has acted and recognised the pressure our schools in Barnet are experiencing due to the cost of energy,” said Theresa.
“It is reassuring that the money will help lower bills this winter, and in the future, and it will be sent in the coming weeks.
“I spoke to the Chancellor last month to make the case for extra funding as headteachers were telling me extra energy costs were going to be a challenge.
“With a cold snap forecast, I hope heads, teachers and parents will be reassured to know this money is on its way.”
The cash is in addition to £1.8 billion of capital investment already committed this year by the Government to improve school buildings.
In the Autumn Statement, the Chancellor also confirmed the schools budget will rise by £2 billion a year over the next two years.