John Austin

Labour Party | Erith and Thamesmead

Primary schools - The good news and the bad: Austin challenges local Tories

July 2 2009

Erith & Thamesmead's MP, John Austin, has welcomed news that the government has fully approved plans for major improvements to Bexley's Primary schools. John Austin said: "This is excellent news. The Government's Primary Capital Programme plans to renew at least half of all primary school buildings in England over the next twelve years." But he has warned that all this could be at risk if the Conservatives were to win the next election.

The government's programme will be kick-started by £1.75 billion of new capital investment from this year. John Austin said: "This represents a major injection of new capital investment which will not only benefit children and families but will also provide a welcome boost for the construction industry and local businesses who will be crucial to delivering the new and refurbished primary schools".

To access funding, local authorities were required to prepare and agree with the Department a Primary Strategy for Change. The strategy submitted by Bexley Council was initially approved subject to modification. On this basis, the government confirmed indicative funding for 2009-10 but future funding was dependent upon resolving a number of issues.

Education Secretary, Ed Balls MP has confirmed to John Austin that he is satisfied that the issues previously identified have all been resolved and he has confirmed that the strategy, as modified, has now been approved and he has now confirmed indicative funding for 2010-11.
John Austin is challenging local Conservative MPs and candidates to come clean about the proposed cuts David Cameron would make. John Austin said: "It has now been revealed that the Shadow Chancellor plans a two-day emergency cabinet session if the Tories win the election to make cuts to public services from day one of a Tory government."

"The Tories are obviously hoping to hide the details of the cuts until after a general election but the fact is that they would cut our schools and police to pay for tax breaks. Will local Tories tell us what will happen to the primary school building plans. Which schools will they close? Which streets will not be policed as a result of proposed cuts in police numbers?"