Bitter blow for Gloucestershire schools
Gloucestershire has missed out on a huge Government grant to improve schools.
The county council has been told today it will not receieve a penny from the "Building Schools for the Future" fund.
-
Jackie Hall
The Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) has released the names of the six local authorities to be included in the latest round of the BSF programme.
A council spokesman said preliminary feedback suggested that Gloucestershire was very high in the list of the 19 authorities who sought entry this time round and, according to DCSF, should be well placed next time.
The council will receive more detailed feedback on the decision shortly.
Entry into the programme would have given Gloucestershire a first phase investment of up to £80m, made up of PFI credits and grants.
Investment was targeted at schools in north Cheltenham (Pittville), west Stroud (Maidenhill and Shrubberies) and central Forest (Heywood, Dene Magna and Lakers).
Cllr Jackie Hall, Cabinet member for schools, said: “This is a bitter blow for Gloucestershire schools. We’re very concerned not to get the funding in this round of BSF.
"The schools involved have worked really hard on the process and it will be a big disappointment. "We will be looking very closely at the government’s reasons for reaching this decision and will continue to lobby hard to secure funding for the county in the future.”
BSF is a long-term national programme to raise school standards and invest in new school buildings. The programme aims to replace 50%, remodel 35% and refresh 15% of the country’s secondary and secondary special school buildings by 2026.
This decision will not affect the Gloucester Academy, as the government has already guaranteed building investment for the project.
8 Comments
by Peter Cobrin, Chester
Wednesday, March 17 2010, 9:13AM
“Mr.Doherty is wrong. There was only one labour constituency out of the twenty four in in the six authorities in receipt of BSF funding this time.”
by anon, gloster
Thursday, March 11 2010, 8:09AM
“Of course the councils have the money..Didn't they INVEST money in the tobacco industry instead of putting it where it was needed most..I went to Wales last weekend..Their roads were really good..I didn't see potholes..They must spend their money wisely...So come on Gloucestershire think before you spend tax payers money..Spend it on the right things..We need hospitals that are run properly, and not closing wards..Will they soon have beds out on the car parks?i hope not..”
by Shaun Shute, Gloucester
Wednesday, March 10 2010, 2:20AM
“Different bandwagon but the same people on it. The Tory Council has one policy which is "blame the government". It just doesnt work anymore. David Cameron has been doing the same and has seen his "landslide victory"dwindle to nothing because of it. This is the worst opposition in history. Thirteen years yet all they can come up with is tax cuts for the rich. No wonder Mrs Cameron votes Labour.”
by Mike, Ruardean
Tuesday, March 09 2010, 9:08PM
“Another financial kick in the face for our forest. We really are the forgotten side of Gloucestershire over here!
Our roads are crumbling, our schools lacking appropriate investment, our hospitals unfairly funded, our charities and voluntary organisations are subject to terrible cuts, local FODDC offices closed, and our Council Tax continually rises.
I'm not saying that other areas of Gloucestershire enjoy piles of cash and investment, however, we are the forgotten area. A wonderful place to live is our forest, but HELLO we are here and waiting patiently for the investment.”
by WML, Stroud
Tuesday, March 09 2010, 8:25PM
“Another article states that the government is investing £12M in Glos for housing, which we probably won't need. Have they got their priorities right?”
by A. Resident, Forest
Tuesday, March 09 2010, 5:50PM
“So does this mean Dene Magna's expansion plans / sixth form / new build in Cindefordwill not be happening ?”
by Joe K, Barton & Tredworth..
Tuesday, March 09 2010, 5:06PM
“There is something in that, John. On the other hand, this is now funding that our Labour MP cannot claim the country has received (or should that be 'receieved'?) from a Labour government. However, given the bad reputation PFI funding is getting, maybe the county dodged a bullet. Learning to operate within our means may be the best lesson 'for the Future'.”
by John Doherty, Gloucester
Tuesday, March 09 2010, 4:44PM
“Cllr Jackie Hall, Cabinet member for schools, should not be surprised at the unfair treatment Gloucestershire received from this Labour Government. Simply because Gloucestershire is for the most part Conservative controlled Labour provides inequality in the funding it provides from taxpayers. The bulk of spending goes to Labour controlled councils. Gordon Brown promised and answer by end of October concerning the severed funding for National star centre following a highly successful signed petition. We are Still waiting for that answer. The case for changing this government is now overwhelming”