Cost of adding up.

CHILDREN who leave primary school unable to add up cost the taxpayer more than pounds 2bn a year.

The long-term costs of youngsters leaving school innumerate could be as much as pounds 44,000 per person up to the age of 37, according to the report by accountants KPMG.

The report, commissioned by the Every Child A Chance Trust, found poor numeracy skills hindered people finding jobs, earning good wages and led to increased risk of getting into trouble with the police.