Suffolk: Liberal Democrats call for views on schools review

4.04.55pm GMT Wed 17th Jan 2007

Liberal Democrats on Suffolk County Council today called for people in Suffolk to send them their views on the proposals to change school structures before the County Council meeting which finally approves the proposals in March.

Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Cllr Kathy Pollard, said, "The Conservative cabinet today approved the proposals for two tier education in Suffolk and the issue will be coming before full council in March. We have read the report in great detail and it seems to us that the educational case for change is convincing. What concerns me however are the risks associated with such a change.

I will be requesting further information on the costs associated with the changes, such as how the extra £900,000 a year on school transport and £1.8 million for consultants fees for implementing the change will be covered.

I and my group were very concerned to see reported this week that the Building Schools for the Future programme, which will be relied upon heavily for the changes, has yet to complete a single project. Further, the man in charge of the programme has admitted their targets are "over ambitious".

I would like to ask anyone who would like their views, whether for or against, known on this issue to get in touch with myself or any member of my group. We have set up and email address should you wish to email your views, yourviewsonschools@googlemail.com, and we would welcome your thoughts."