David Cameron rushes to fix fallout on ‘free schools’

Choice: the Conservative leader challenged voters not to fear competition
10 April 2012
WEST END FINAL

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David Cameron was forced to defend his policy of "free schools" today after a Tory council leader raised concerns over "top-slicing" local education budgets.

Paul Carter, of Kent County Council, highlighted worries about funding arrangements under Conservative education reforms which would allow parents and others to set up schools.

"We've got to make sure that we don't top-slice local education authorities that support state schools with a handicap over and above the free schools," he told the BBC.

He stressed that town halls had statutory functions, including school admissions and statements for special needs pupils, which they would have to perform on behalf of free schools.

He also appeared to raise concerns that existing state schools could see their funding fall if "free schools" were opened in their area.

Interviewed in Southampton, Mr Cameron defended the reforms, saying: "There are too many people in this country who do not get their choice of school. It's like saying, Isn't it terrible that the BBC has to compete with ITV?' I think it keeps you honest and makes you work a bit harder and makes you produce better programmes. Why are we so frightened of competition, choice and diversity?"

Labour seized on the comments by Mr Carter and another Tory councillor, David Kirk, cabinet member for schools in Hampshire, who emphasised the importance of local education authorities in raising standards in schools.

Children's Secretary Ed Balls said: "The only way David Cameron and Michael Gove's free market' schools plans can work is, as the councillors say, by making deep and immediate cuts to schools that children are already attending."

The Conservatives rushed out a statement by Mr Carter. Released by Tory Central Office, it said: "I am 100 per cent behind Michael Gove's education plans, which will introduce more competition, give parents more choice and help drive up standards across the country. The BBC is trying to create a division between us that doesn't exist."

Shadow children's secretary Michael Gove added: "Paul is 100 per cent supportive of our proposals. He would like to see free schools established. The point he makes is we do need to make sure we have fair funding."

Colin Barrow, Conservative leader of Westminster council, stressed he supported the reforms but raised a concern about the size of proposed new schools.

"The only practical difficulty is that sometimes a small school can find it quite difficult to attract the right calibre of staff," he said. But he believes the dedication of parents and others setting up free schools would outweigh this concern.

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