Written question asked by Paul Burstow (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 12 October 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 14 October 2009. It was answered by Lord Coaker (Labour) on Wednesday, 21 October 2009 on behalf of the Department for Children, Schools and Families.

Primary Education: Finance

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many local authorities have applied for safety valve funding to meet increased demand for primary school places; how much has been allocated in each case; what steps he is taking to review the criteria used to make such allocations; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: We are currently appraising the 51 applications we have received for the £200 million of capital funding we have secured as an interim measure to support authorities which forecast exceptional growth in demand for primary school places by 2011. In considering these applications, we have had discussions with a range of local authorities and with representative bodies including London councils and the Local Government Association, to consider the criteria we have used. Our aim is to ensure that this funding is fairly allocated to those authorities with the highest need, where funding the additional places from other resources would unduly impact on other priorities. We aim shortly to announce allocations. We are also, in the context of the next spending review, working on how to ensure that in the longer term there are high quality permanent pupil places where they are wanted.

Secondary information