Cllr Michael Pavey has written to local MPs Barry Gardiner, Sarah Teather and Glenda Jackson asking them to support the 'School Places Crisis Campaign'. The campaign seeks the restoration of power to local authorities to plan and build new schools to address the current shortage of primary school places.
The campaign has already been supported by Green MP Caroline Lucas and Natalie Bennett, Green Party leader.
Pavey wrote:
Dear Barry, Sarah and Glenda,I am writing to ask that you support the NUT's 'School Places Crisis' campaign: www.theschoolplacescrisis.comAs you know, we have a terrible shortage of school places in Brent. As a Council we are proactively expanding our schools and opening up additional spaces such as the Gwenneth Rickus Building. Yet even with all these additional forms of entry the shortage continues.Personally I believe the diversion of precious public money into Free Schools is a terrible distraction from the urgent challenge of providing additional places. It is absolutely essential that, rather than sitting back and hoping that appropriate providers establish appropriate Free Schools in appropriate locations, Government policy allows for the strategic planning of new school places. I firmly believe that this function is best performed by local authorities.To meet the ongoing shortage of school places it is absolutely essential that the law be changed to allow Councils to open new schools. I would be very interested to get your thoughts and would strongly encourage you to support the NUT campaign in the interests of Brent families.Best wishes,Michael.Cllr. Michael PaveyLead Member for Children & FamiliesLabour Councillor for Barnhill, Brent Council