BUILDING SCHOOLS FOR THE FUTURE BRIEFING UNNECESSARILY HELD IN SECRET

Plans to redesign and rebuild Kent secondary schools were presented to Kent’s county councillors in a secret session after yesterday’s full council meeting. Originally programmed to form part of the council meeting, the item was turned into a “confidential briefing” for elected councillors only, though it was admitted that there was no need for secrecy.

Mike Eddy, Labour Shadow Leader of Kent County Council, says: “It was admitted at the meeting that there was no need for secrecy. The names of the two remaining bidders are publicly known. The only reason I can see for this being kept under wraps is that Kent County Council is unable to admit in public that Government is making a huge investment in Kent’s secondary schools.”

The total programme is for £1.8 billion to be spent on Kent’s secondary schools over the next 15 years and will go first to schools in Thanet and Canterbury, Gravesham and Swale.

Christine Angell, Labour Shadow Cabinet Member for Education, says: “This is one of the most exciting developments to happen to Kent and I am delighted the officers have worked so hard to make sure we are on track for ensuring the innovation envisaged by Building Schools for the Future programme gets rolled out at the appropriate time!”