Wales scraps free laptop programme for children

Project halted amid criticism over costs

The Welsh government has confirmed it is scrapping a flagship programme to provide children in deprived areas of the community with free laptops, after it emerged that the new machines were costing more than £700 each.

The programme had been initiated by the Labour-Plaid Cymru coalition, as part of its One Wales initiative, but education minister Leighton Andrews has now said the programme will not be continued.

The project cost the Welsh Government £662,364, which resulted in 943 laptops being provided for use by 1,360 10 to 11-year-old children in so-called Communities First and Flying Start areas.

The Communities First and Flying Start programmes are intended to support children living in disadvantaged communities.

"I am surprised that so few laptops were actually purchased, despite ministers spending over £660,000 on the scheme," said Angela Burns, a conservative member of the Welsh Assembly.

"At a time when the school funding gap is widening, teacher numbers are falling and educational standards are in decline, ministers should be prioritising vital funds at the frontline rather than frittering money away on free laptops," she added.