Ged Killen MP has said schools in Rutherglen and Hamilton West deserve better than the SNP Government’s mismanagement of the education system.

It follows the news that Education Secretary John Swinney consulted with fellow Cabinet Secretary Derek McKay to seek a tax break for a private school in his constituency.

John Swinney wrote to Finance Secretary Derek Mackay seeking advice on how a private school in his constituency could avoid paying increased business rates after the Scottish Government scrapped rates relief for private schools.

In his response to Mr Swinney, McKay suggested the schools could contact their local council for rates relief.

Ged Killen said the move demonstrated the SNP’s hypocrisy and shows that their priorities for education are all wrong.

Rutherglen and Hamilton West MP, Ged Killen said:

“Once again the SNP have revealed the gulf between what they say in public and what they do in private.

“Nicola Sturgeon has said that education is her top priority, but behind the scenes, her Education and Finance Secretaries are conspiring to make local councils pick up the tab for private school tax breaks.

“That is money that would be coming out of the pockets of state schools at a time when the Scottish Government has hammered council budgets.

“Parents and pupils in Rutherglen and Hamilton West deserve better.  SNP ministers should be focused on closing the attainment gap, not bending the rules for private schools.”