Taxpayers take a £2.3m hit over school vandalism

MORE than £2.3 million was spent repairing damage caused by vandals in schools last year, figures have revealed.

About £45,000 per week was spent by council taxpayers to address the problem, according to figures obtained through a freedom of information request by the Conservative Party.

The costs vary from council to council, with the bigger city 
authorities facing the steepest bills. In Glasgow the bill ran to almost £500,000 for the session 2010-11.

Conservative education spokeswoman Liz Smith said: “It is very worrying that such a considerable sum of money is being spent on repairing the results of mindless acts of criminal damage. Such acts are not only totally irresponsible, but they also cause a great deal of distress to local communities.

“Much tougher action is required to punish the offenders and ensure they have to pay back the costs they impose on society.”