§ David DavisTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many Government capital projects for schools had as a requirement that the school reduce its size, in the last year for which figures are available. [134666]
§ Mr. MilibandMy Department has no records of having provided capital funding with the requirement that a school be reduced in size. Most capital funding is now allocated by formula to local education authorities (LEAs) or schools for them to invest in their school buildings. Decisions on building priorities are made locally, in the context of asset management plans and reflecting Government priorities. It is, therefore, up to LEAs to decide on their priorities in consultation with local schools, including where surplus places can he reduced where it is economical to do so. Overall capital investment is set to rise from £3.8 billion this year to over £5 billion in 2005–06, compared to under £700 million in 1996–97.