Written question asked by Mark Hoban (Conservative) on Monday, 2 December 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 9 December 2002. It was answered by David Miliband (Labour) on Monday, 9 December 2002 on behalf of the Department for Education and Skills.

Dept for Education and Skills

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, if he will make a statement on the part played by consideration of Best Value in determining whether surplus schools should be closed. - (Holding answer 5 December 2002).

Answer: Mr. Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will make a statement on the part played by consideration of best value in determining whether surplus schools should be closed. [85554] Mr. Miliband: [holding answer 5 December 2002]: Surplus places can represent poor use of resources. This is why the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister sets annual Best Value Performance Indicators for the percentage of surplus places in an LEA each year. Decisions on whether to close schools are taken by the local School Organisation Committee or, if the Committee cannot agree unanimously, by the independent Schools Adjudicator. Guidance issued by the Secretary of State requires both bodies to consider a range of factors, including standards and access.

Secondary information