Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Department for Education

Oral Answers to Questions

Lisa Nandy Excerpts
Monday 21st March 2011

(13 years, 9 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Nick Gibb Portrait Mr Gibb
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I understand the concern felt by parents in my hon. Friend’s constituency. Our policy is to inform the lead proposers of the outcome of their proposals, and we expect them to inform all those involved. I assure my hon. Friend that we are actively engaged in discussions with all the parties involved with the aim of finding a solution in relation to the Bristol free school project. Indeed, the project’s lead official has been meeting and talking to officers from the city council.

Lisa Nandy Portrait Lisa Nandy (Wigan) (Lab)
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Given that the Secretary of State seems to be unable to find money for schools that desperately need rebuilding, will the Minister tell us how much money his Government have promised or awarded to free schools?

Nick Gibb Portrait Mr Gibb
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We announced in December that the capital allocation for 2011-12 would be £800 million for basic need, £858 million for capital maintenance and £185 million for devolved capital, which amounts to £2 billion out of a £4.9 billion capital budget. The difference between those two figures covers the BSF commitments and an allocation for free schools.