How many Labour ministers does it take to create facilities for the whole community? (Southwark Liberal Democrats)

Southwark Liberal Democrats <info@southwark-libdems.org.uk>

How many Labour ministers does it take to create facilities for the whole community?

April 27, 2006 3:04 PM

Southwark Liberal Democrats are demanding to know why the Labour Government is delaying action to ensure Southwark's new academy school buildings can be used by the whole community without incurring a VAT bill of millions.

Despite months of pressure from the Liberal Democrats locally and in Westminster, Labour Ministers have failed to close the tax loophole that would mean an enormous bill if the school facilities were used for adult learning, leisure classes, or community sports.

Instead, a recent letter from schools minister Jacqui Smith MP to Lib Dem Executive Member for Education, Cllr Caroline Pidgeon reveals that Labour ministers have resorted to blaming each other, with the education department now laying blame with the Treasury.

In the letter Ms Smith states that discussions are taking place "but it is too early to give the outcome of those discussions."

Commenting, Cllr Caroline Pidgeon said:

"Labour's policy has made academies the only way that councils can secure funding for much-needed new facilities and buildings for schools, but it now appears this flagship policy was not thought through."

"Every time the Liberal Democrats have questioned Labour on this issue we have been told to be patient and all will be revealed. But so far we have had no answers and certainly no solutions."

"I wrote to the Secretary of State last October and it has taken ministers nearly 6 months to reply, telling me it's 'too early' to give me an answer."

"When are we going to get an answer from Labour on this vital issue? Southwark Liberal Democrats want our schools to be the centre of our local communities and provide opportunities and facilities for everyone, but the community can't afford the price that the Labour Government is asking."