article_snippet: Mr Clegg told MailOnline: 'It's important that where we can be as generous as we can be… for people who are working in the public sector, we should do so.'
article_snippet: Mr Clegg stressed that it was important to be 'responsible with the public finances' but insisted that the teachers' pay rise could be funded.
article_snippet: I just think it's affordable, it wouldn't cost us the earth, it's recommended and us should get on and do it.'
article_snippet: He admitted that at a time of ongoing austerity the money 'has to be found from somewhere', but said next week's Budget would focus on raising more in tax from 'people who have got the means to chip in a bit of extra'.
highlights_snippet: Clegg insists the plan is 'affordable' and the money 'has to be found'
  Salary hikes could be funded from within existing school budgets .
  