6/7/2010 - Building Schools for the Future

Cumbria County Council's Leader has vowed to continue to press the case for investment in education in Cumbria following the announcement from the Government that it is halting the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme and stopping the programme's plans to invest £61.5m in capital improvements to five secondary schools, a special school and a Pupil Referral Unit in West Cumbria.

Yesterday Education Secetary Michael Gove MP announced a comprehensive review of all capital investment in schools, bringing an end to BSF and instead "flexibly targeting schools in the worst condition" through a programme of prudent capital investment in education up to 2015. 

Cumbria County Council's Leader Cllr Eddie Martin said the council will continue to make the case for future investment in education in Cumbria and the county council remains committed to improving educational standards both in west Cumbria and across the county.

"We're obviously very disappointed by the announcement, but we feel we have a compelling case for change and we'll continue to press hard for the vital investment needed here," said Cllr Martin. 

"The needs of those schools we had identified as needing investment have not gone away. The Government has said it is still reviewing its schools capital investment programme and we'll be making sure they're fully aware of the needs of Cumbria. But we also need to be realistic in the current economic climate, so we'll continue to work with all our schools to make sure we deliver the best possible education for our young people with the resources we've got.

"I am pleased that the government has made it clear that funding for the current academies programme, including in Barrow and Egremont, is secure and the council remains fully committed to the academies programme, which is already reaping rewards in terms of educational achievements."

ENDS

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