§ 3. Mr. Mike Gapes (Ilford, South)When he next plans to visit Redbridge to discuss the level of education spending. [109130]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education and Employment (Jacqui Smith)My right hon. Friend has no plans to visit the London borough of Redbridge. However, I am pleased to announce that my right hon. Friend the Minister for School Standards was able to visit Glade primary school to see the two new classrooms provided through the Government's class size initiative.
§ Mr. GapesDespite the welcome increase in resources that the Government are making available for education in Redbridge and the good results in our borough, there is widespread local anxiety among teachers, parents and governors that all three political groups on the Conservative-led council do not propose to spend that money on education and that part of it is being spent on other matters. Will my hon. Friend ensure that the Department holds urgent discussions with the council and all three political groups to ascertain whether we can solve that problem?
§ Jacqui SmithMy hon. Friend makes an important point. He is a strong and powerful advocate of the schools, pupils and governors in his constituency. I join in his commendation of the high standards that schools in Redbridge achieve.
However, let me make it clear that unless the local authority is willing to ensure that this year's 6.6 per cent. increase in its education standard spending assessment is passported to education and delegated effectively to schools, it will let down the schools, pupils and governors in the constituency.
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has given a clear signal to local authorities that we expect our commitment to education to be replicated by local education authorities. We shall monitor LEAs to ensure that they make the same commitment to education as the Government, schools and parents.