§ Mr. HobanTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what incentives he gives to local education authorities to find alternative uses for unused rooms in schools. [85555]
§ Mr. Miliband[holding answer 5 December 2002]: Through the Asset Management Planning process, we encourage local education authorities and schools to make best value use of school buildings. For example, as part of the development of Asset Management Plans, we are currently surveying all school buildings to give schools and authorities up-to-date information on their school buildings, including the split of space between 164W teaching and non-teaching areas and space not used directly for education. We also plan shortly to advise all headteacher and governing bodies on best practice in estate management. We encourage schools and authorities to develop community use of school buildings.