Tory Schools Policy would be bad for Leicestershire

Following an intense Full Council, Liberal Democrats motion sought to highlight what would happen if the Conservatives latest education policy for schools was implemented in Leicestershire.

Group Leader Simon Galton said: "our motion was designed to create a real debate on education and how the Conservatives proposals would undermine local schools and take money away badly needed to repair and improve school buildings.

The Conservative proposal to redirect BSF funding to build Academies in Deprived Areas, whilst we agree with the principle of creating 220,000 places in deprived areas, this loss of funds will result in Leicestershire schools losing out yet again and prevent them from being able to secure much needed investment further weakening their ability to compete with the Tories unaccountable 'Free' Schools they propose to build. What is needed is additional funding, not taking funds from one area to address problems in another.

We voted against the motion from Labour calling for resignation, whilst we are no ally of the current lead member for CYPS, this motion appeared little more than an attempt to shift the blame for the Governments decision not to fund Loughborough Schools onto the Council.

With regard to Melton, our motion asked for an apology for the fact that the CYPS dept. had not been straight with Melton parents about the affect of losing 390 pupils from the predicted intakes. The truth is if those 390 pupils were still in the system, King Edward would be viable and closure would not be necessary. I think Mr Ould has to accept that this process leading up to, as well as the decision made has undermined the reorganisation of Melton's schools, as well as the credibility of the Administration.

This is the last full council before the general election and I believe the people of Leicestershire deserve to know what could be around the corner from all parties. It was shame that the Conservatives couldn't bring themselves to admit that their national policy would damage education in Leicestershire, but I wasn't surprised that they voted against our motion."