Cost of living: Calderdale school asking if it should turn off the heating this winter to cope with rising prices, says Halifax's MP

Speaking during a debate in Parliament yesterday, Holly Lynch said one head was asking what should be done to cope with rising prices - turn the heating off in the winter or cut teaching staff.

She said: "I have spoken to local headteachers who report that due to inflation, staffing costs have increased by 12 per cent, with gas costs increasing by 20 per cent, and electricity by 30 per cent.

"One headteacher said 'Please ask the Secretary of State what am I supposed to cut in order to meet inflation costs - the mental health first aider we’ve had to recruit because of the backlog at CAMHS, or the resources we’ve had to put into a community kitchen because so many children were going without meals? Should I turn off the heating in the winter, or simply cut teaching staff?'

"What would the Minister like me to say to that headteacher?"