July 13, 2010
LOCAL MP TELLS EDUCATION SECRETARY OF ANGER AFTER SCHOOLS FUNDING SCRAPPED
A LOCAL MP has told the Education Secretary of his dismay and anger after £250m of funding for Rotherham schools was scrapped.
Three schools in John Healey’s Wentworth and Dearne constituency – Milton, Swinton and St Pius – will not receive much-needed cash for rebuilding and refurbishment, it was revealed last week.
In a letter Mr Healey told Education Secretary Michael Gove: “I am dismayed and angry at your decision to stop BSF funding for hundreds of schools across the country, including Swinton Community School, St Pius Catholic High School and Milton Special School.
“I have discussed the plans for the schools in my constituency from the very earliest stage and know what this means for the schools and students. I also know that this is a decision the government have chosen to take and did not need to take on financial grounds in dealing with the deficit.
“Our headteachers will feel badly let down by your decision – they know the transformation that new, fit-for-purpose school buildings and equipment have on pupils. You are also letting down students, parents and teachers now and for generations to come.
“The government should be clear on the capital programme which will be put in place of BSF for schools like those in Rotherham which badly need – and deserve – the improvement.”
Mr Healey is also demanding that the government reimburse Rotherham Council and schools for the money – thought to be around £1.5m – spent on this project over the last two-and-a-half years.