BRADFORD schools have borne the brunt of schools funding cuts in Yorkshire and the Humber, according to the latest figures from the National Education Union (NEU).

The district's schools have been worst hit in the region since 2014/15, with a loss of spending power of £40 million, TUC analysis of the union's figures has revealed.

And the union organisation said the figures show funding for schools in Yorkshire and the Humber has been cut by £13 million in the last financial year.

The TUC said the analysis, taken from the NEU’s school cuts campaign, shows how government spending on the region's schools has taken a huge hit, all in the name of austerity.

The union organisation said Government cuts to education funding have significantly damaged the spending power of many schools.

Compared to Bradford's £40m, since 2014/15 Leeds schools have faced a loss of £29m, Kirklees schools £24m, Sheffield and Wakefield schools £18m and North Yorkshire and Hull £15m and £13m respectively.

The TUC said 94% of schools in the region face a funding shortfall.

The figures show that the Government has failed to properly fund for schools across the region.

Anna, an NEU member and teaching assistant at a Pupil Referral Unit in North Yorkshire said: "This is a story that needs telling and we hope that when you're aware of what's going on in education you'll make an informed decision when you cast your vote.”

Commenting on the latest figures, TUC Regional Secretary Bill Adams said: “This is a shocking indictment on the current government’s record on education funding. Working families will be rightly concerned about the future of their children’s education.

“Millions of pounds of investment have been sucked out of the region’s schools. Staff in Calderdale are being forced to teach in the dark to save money, and many hard working teachers across the region are paying for school materials out of their own pockets.

“How can this be right in the 21st century?

“The school system is in crisis and we cannot go on like this. On Thursday, working people need to use their votes to change the future of education.”

Russ Ballinger, NEU Regional Secretary, said: “On Thursday, working people need to use their votes to change the future of education. This general election gives parents and those working in education a once in a generation opportunity to change things. The education system has been devastated by the past 10 years of austerity and schools and colleges are crying out for investment.

“The effect of shrinking staff numbers, reduction of choice and less and less support has meant children's life chances have been chipped away.

“For our members both teachers and support staff the damage to their working lives has been huge.

"With many experienced and skilled staff leaving the profession all together.

“We are asking everyone to visit www.school cuts.org.uk, search for their local school, see what the three main parties are offering and share that information, before they cast their vote on December 12."

A spokesman for the Department for Education declined to comment due to the election.