Dozen schools to benefit as £131m secured in savings

Financial support for an 
additional 12 schools has been found through savings across public infrastructure schemes.

The Scottish Futures Trust (SFT) said it has secured £131 million in savings and benefits in 2011-12, including substantial amounts within the £1.25 billion Schools for the Future programme.

The number of schools in the programme can now increase from 55 to 67, with a potential knock-on impact for jobs in construction and better community facilities.

Infrastructure secretary Alex Neil said: “The savings SFT achieved last year, in collaboration with a wide range of public-sector bodies, allow us to deliver more – more houses and schools, more health and community projects. Each extra £100m we invest supports 1,400 jobs in the Scottish economy.”

But Scottish Labour’s shadow finance secretary Ken Macintosh MSP said:“It would appear that the savings identified by the SFT are smoke and mirrors.”