Staff or Heat? Schools are facing their biggest challenge this winter in paying energy bills. The reaction by the then chancellor, Kwasi Kwarteng and prime minister, Liz Truss was to put in ‘an energy relief scheme’ (21 September). This provided financial relief according to that scheme of £211 (per megawatt hour- MWh) for electricity against an ‘expected’ rate of £600 and £75 per MWh against £180 for gas.

This is all well and good for the short-term but like water held in a colander it does not address the long-term financial drain this will have on schools in paying greater and greater energy bills.

We already have the phrase ‘heat or eat’ are we now going to have a phrase for schools of ‘heat or staff?’. The recent BBC article posted under ‘News’ on this website highlights that exact dilemma a particular Devonian primary headteacher faces in attracting staff at an enhanced rate of pay. As he says, ‘it is mission impossible’ in staying within budget.

If there had been a more sophisticated scheme from the beginning, which included grants for additional insulation and green energy generating methods for schools, then it would have made a lot more sense. Come on Jeremy Hunt, you know it does make sense!