Commenting as Labour releases House of Commons Library data showing that school energy bills doubled last year, Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

“Rising energy costs are a huge concern for school leaders. Labour’s analysis shows bills doubled in 2021, which was hard enough – but the massive hikes we’re hearing about so far this year dwarf that.

"Like every household and business, schools are facing rises in energy costs that could cripple their budgets – budgets that are already stretched to breaking point. The government needs to remember that every penny diverted to paying increased energy bills is a penny that can’t be spent on children’s learning and wellbeing. It is pupils that could suffer if they don’t take action to help.”