NOBODY in the staff rooms of Swindon's schools is impressed by Government spin on budgets and education spending.

Claims by Education Secretary Charles Clarke that the the council withheld £2.3 million which should be providing pupils with resources is insulting and indicates a woeful lack of understanding about the problems which have faced this borough.

And Coun Garry Perkins, who is likely to be sworn in today as new lead member for education, is right to demand a meeting at which he can point out the blunt facts.

Robbing Peter to pay Paul is always bad policy, and suggesting that cash-strapped schools should delay such elementary necessities as building repairs so they can avoid making some teachers redundant merely shifts the problem.

Mr Clarke must take notice when he receives Coun Perkins' letter. Our children and their teachers deserve a fairer deal.

The disparity between the money allocated to Swindon and the sums available for education in countless other towns is a disgrace.