Rt Hon David Laws MP
Minister of State for Schools
Department for Education
Sanctuary Buildings
Great Smith Street
London SW1P 3BT
Ref: ML.N0030.CM.11.10.13
Date: 11th October 2013
Dear David,
The School Places Crisis Campaign
I am writing to you to draw your attention to the School Places Crisis. As you are no doubt aware, the Government’s policies have significantly changed the local landscape with regards opening new schools, with the Secretary of State able to open a Free School at his discretion whilst local authorities are no longer able to do so. The cumulative effect of a number of changes has resulted in a crisis in schools places, with some predicting that numbers of pupils will outstrip school places by as much as 75% by 2015. In 2010 when the Academies Act was introduced there was no shortage of school places in London yet it is anticipated that by 2016 the shortage may be at 23%.
I would therefore like to add my voice to those recommending local authorities be given back the powers to commission and build new schools. Local authorities are best placed to understand the demand for school places and where best to build new schools.
I hope you will give this your full attention and look forward to your response.
Yours sincerely,
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