§ Mr. HobanTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills under what powers local education authorities may be required to reduce the number of surplus places in schools. [173100]
§ Mr. Miliband[holding answer 14 May 2004]: Under Schedule 7 to the Schools Standards and Framework Act 1998, the Secretary of State may direct a local education authority (LEA) to bring forward statutory proposals where there is, or is likely to be, an excess of school places. If the LEA does not publish proposals or if the proposals are time expired, Schedule 7 allows the Secretary of State to publish his own proposals. Both types of proposal fall to be considered by the School Organisation Committee (SOC) or schools adjudicator if the SOC cannot reach a unanimous decision. The powers granted to the Secretary of State under Schedule 7 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 have never been used.