The perpetual round of fundraising at borough primary school's seems perfectly admirable on the surface if it.

After all, money generated through raffles, newspaper recycling schemes and school trip fees for the school in question serves to improve the educational environment and bring a community together.

It is not the fundraising initiatives I have a problem with, it is essentially the principle of the whole matter.

Given that the London Borough of Barnet's education budget takes around a whopping 50 per cent of the overall council tax budget, it is incredible that parents should have to supplement school coffers.

Either the money is being misappropriated or there is simply insufficient funds to keep schools going.

Personally, I would be happy to give more money to the school my daughter attends, but some people may not be in such a position. However, if we go down the road of handouts, where will it stop ,, just short of private education by default.

Surely it is central Government and the local education authority which must steer the proper course. It would be a sin if 'New Labour' failed to deliver on its promises and in so doing failed a generation.

Roger Aitken

Jackson Road, East Barnet