Conservatives celebrate as motion to shake-up education funding is passed (From Thurrock Gazette)

Conservatives celebrate as motion to shake-up education funding is passed

3:00pm Tuesday 2nd October 2012 in News

THE Conservative’s shadow portfolio holder for education wants to see a radical shake-up of education finding in the borough.

James Halden tabled a motion at the full council meeting on Wednesday to give more money direct to schools for building improvements.

He said: “It is right that in an age where an overwhelming majority of our schools seek independence from the local education authority that we in turn meet this opportunity by moving resources away from politicians and bureaucrats and to teachers and governors.

“My motion will seek assurances that money for education provision can be commissioned directly by schools.”

Cllr Halden said it is wrong for the council to handle money centrally now.
He said: “Maintaining money and power centrally when schools are rising to the challenge of controlling their own affairs is not just wrong, it’s empire building, in my opinion.

“I would welcome colleagues from all sides of the chamber supporting our schools, and I would certainly hope that colleagues see trusting schools with what is there own money is not party political, it is common sense!”
 

Chafford Councillor Charlie Key, who seconded the motion, said a school in his own ward had proved the motion could be successful.
 

He said: “The Harris Federation came to Chafford and we now have some of the best results in Thurrock.

“This was delivered by Harris, teachers and students working together – independently of the council”.
 

Despite opposition from the Labour group, the motion was passed.