S M Rock's claim that "The Council cannot afford to pay teachers' pay increases" is nonsense. The approximate £3m cost of the current and next year's increases will come from the £5.6m extra which the Labour Government is giving for education on top of the £6.7m granted this year. The study of school rolls currently underway is at the behest of government and is necessary periodically if we are to ensure vital resources are used wisely and located in the right place.

As far as support for the Octagon and the Moran painting is concerned, I will remind him that the Council contribution of £238,000 triggered other grants of £1,422,000 which meant the theatre was saved from closure and Bolton now has a magnificent painting worth millions.

From a business, as well as a cultural point of view, I suggest it was a sensible use of taxpayers' money and this was fully supported by the BEN.

Cllr Bob Howarth

Leader of the Council

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