Building Schools for the Future programme - Labour fear coalition will axe schools’ millions

Published: 21 May 2010
by ROISIN GADELRAB

A MULTI-million pound overhaul of four Islington secondary schools is at risk under the new Lib Dem-Conservative government, an internal council document has revealed.

Islington Labour’s education chief Councillor Richard Watts said parents should be “very nervous” about the future of the £140million Building Schools for the Future (BSF) scheme – after new Education Secretary Michael Gove confirmed future spending is under review.

So far, four of Islington’s schools have been completed and work is imminent on two more, Islington Arts and Media School and Elizabeth Garrett Anderson.

But it is claimed four others with a total contract value of more than £60million – Highbury Fields, Central Foundation, Mount Carmel and New River College pupil referral unit – could be under threat.

In a memo to Labour council leader Councillor Catherine West, Cllr Watts warned: “All indications are that the Building Schools for the Future programme is at risk from the new Lib Dem-Tory coalition government as it tries to find money to pay for cuts in public services and its ideologically driven ‘free schools’ policy. This could have serious implications for Islington’s programme and, although early indications are that we may avoid the first round of cuts, we must remain aware of the ongoing dangers.”

He said schools appear to be safe where projects have been “signed off”.

A Department for Education spokesman said a decision had still to be made on  BSF funding. “The government is committed to a full comprehensive spending review in the autumn and ministers will shortly be considering spending priorities in all areas, including school capital,” he added.