A BLACK hole in funds for school repairs in Warrington has escalated to £86 million, according to new figures.

Statistics released via a Freedom of Information request by the Warrington Guardian reveals that Warrington Borough Council is facing a significant repairs backlog due to central Government’s budget cuts.

John Rimmer, national negotiating official for the NASUWT, labelled the growing sum of money as ‘detrimental to the health and welfare of the children of Warrington’.

Mr Rimmer said: “What the current Government has done to our education system is reprehensible. People need to understand what is actually happening is a real problem.”

Data also revealed that the Government’s capital allocation budget in 2013-2014, for school repairs in Warrington, would only cover 3.5 per cent of the £86 million bill leaving a considerable shortfall.

Mr Rimmer continued:”In the NHS, you can physically see what is happening due to budget cuts but this is not the case in schools. We cannot see the effect it is having on their education.

“It is a knock on effect. What happens now will affect future generations and David Mowat needs to take this to parliament.”

David Mowat MP for Warrington South believes the Government are doing the best they can, given the hand they were dealt when they came to power.

Mr Mowat said: “The Government inherited the largest combined deficit of any country in Europe including Greece.

“The NASUWT seem to believe that the way to fix this is to borrow even more from international bankers. I don't agree, but I am pleased that while difficult decisions have been made the overall schools’ budget has not been cut and will continue to be ringfenced.”

Despite the overall budget allocated to the Department of Education increasing, the capital budget was cut in 2010.

Stephen Twigg, the shadow education secretary said: "David Cameron slashed funding for school buildings by 60 per cent when he came into office, twice the Whitehall average cut to capital spending.

"Too many pupils are having lessons in classrooms that are crumbling, overcrowded or with leaky roofs. David Cameron and Michael Gove are letting pupils and parents down. They must get a grip.”

Figures also identified that Penketh High School Academy, Bridgewater High School in Appleton and Beaumont Collegiate Academy had the highest backlog levels with an cumulative total of more than £20.5 million.

A spokesman from the council said they were unable to comment on the two academies, who are now directly funded by central government, but were able to outline the repairs need at Bridgewater High School.

"Bridgewater High School has an extensive and well-managed maintenance programme. There are costs associated with the long term up-keep and refurbishment of older school buildings such as Bridgewater High.

“This includes items such as the roof, heating systems, electrical installations and the replacement of windows."