§ Bob RussellTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will amend the basic need criteria to facilitate the provision of primary schools within new neighbourhoods; and if she will make a statement. [74467]
§ Mr. MilibandThe Basic Need guidance for 2003–04 was issued on 30 July 2002, and the deadline for LEAs to submit their bids was 30 September 2002. Basic Need is defined as the requirement for additional school places in areas of population growth, where there is no more capacity in schools in the surrounding area.
We are currently undertaking a consultation on the future allocation of capital funding for new pupil places, with the aim of simplifying the process. Any new methodology, which should affect funding from 2004–05 onwards, should better support the expansion of successful and popular schools.