Tory leader’s u-turn welcomed but it “too little, too late”
The unexpected u-turn by Mr Parson's on the government's academies program has been warmly welcomed by Liberal Democrat group on the Council. However it raises doubts about the future of schooling in the County.
- Lib Dems have warned consistently about the unproven and rushed move to academies - a Lib Dem motion to Full Council in March 2010 was opposed by the Tories,
- The reforms have taken place so quickly making it impossible for Council to resist the pressure for schools to become Academies,
- The pressure of the academies program can be directly linked to the proposed £7m of cuts and service reduction proposed for the Children's and Young People's department in Mr Parsons' draft budget published this week.
Don Wright Lib Dem Spokesman said: "Local politicians of all parties have expressed concerns about the move to academies being rushed and the lack of accountability. Expressing doubts about the process now is too late, damage has been done and these comments will only add confusion and worry to those schools that remain with the Local Authority. "
Simon Galton, Leader of the Lib Dem group said: "David Parsons' comments raise huge questions about the Council's current policy on encouraging schools to convert to academies. Leicestershire schools have traditionally enjoyed a strong relationship with the Council but many feel they have little choice other than to become an academy as many of the services the Council provides will no longer exist. If Mr Parsons is now going to offer schools a future with the Council, he needs to explain how CYPS will restructured to support schools."
Ends
- The £7m is made up of £4,010,000 of Efficiency Cuts and £3m of Service Reductions