LABOUR'S £150M BOOST TO SCHOOLS

Investment vow to raise teacher numbers | Cash funded by VAT on private education

- PAUL HUTCHEON

ANAS Sarwar has promised a £ 150 million boost for state schools to spend on new teachers and breakfast clubs.

The Scottish Labour leader told the Record the cash will come from a Keir Starmer Government slapping VAT on private school fees.

Starmer last week unveiled plans for raising £7.3 billion through targeted tax rises, including £1.5 billion from independent schools.

Scottish Labour's manifesto will be launched today and a key part will focus on Holyrood's share of the funds from closing tax loopholes for elite schools.

Speaking to the Record, Sarwar said the £150million will boost the number of teachers for kids with additional support needs.

He also wants the money to combat hunger by providing free breakfasts for pupils - a key part of his anti-poverty agenda.

His commitment comes after councils accused the SNP Government of starving schools of money and warned of looming cuts to teachers.

Sarwar said: "I want the SNP Government to use the removal of the VAT exemption on private schools to invest in state schools." He said the £150million should "close the gaps" in state schools and lead to "more teachers, not fewer teachers" being hired.

Labour are on course for a huge win on July 4 but the contest in Scotland could be tighter.