Balls announces further investment for education
The government has committed an additional £21 billion to help rebuild Britain’s schools over the next three years.
Education minister Ed Balls made the announcement while visiting Bristol Brunel Academy to take part in the first citizen’s jury.
The prime minister was also in attendance at the official opening of the academy in Bristol, which cost £24 million to build and is the first of 180 new or newly refurbished schools the government intends to open before the end of 2008.
As well as the additional funding, Mr Balls said he was launching a “national debate” on how to project children and improve the school system.
He said: “Bristol Brunel Academy is an excellent example of what can be achieved when government investment and local enthusiasm are brought together.
“The prime minister and I want a debate about what more we can do to help children.
“We want to tap directly into the experience and expertise of the children, young people, parents and professionals who work with them to find what the big issues are that need addressing.”
During a speech last week, Gordon Brown claimed he wanted to bring about a more interactive type of politics, where the public would be given greater opportunity to get involved with the legislative process.
The events in Bristol today mark the symbolic launch of this new drive, with the government stressing its willingness to “listen to the people”.
Mr Balls announced the additional £21 billion investment to the education sector, saying: “Today is a watershed in bringing all secondary schools into the twenty-first century.
“By 2011, annual capital investment will have risen seven-fold since 1997 to address the historic under-investment in facilities and add to the 1,100 new schools built in the last decade.”
The Conservatives attempted to silence the fanfare by insisting the government’s school refurbishment program is chronically behind schedule.
Shadow education minister Michael Gove said: “Gordon Brown has promised massive refurbishment of the schools estate but the small print reveals that he has completely failed to deliver and is woefully behind schedule.
“At this rate, today’s children will be collecting their pensions by the time Gordon Brown delivers on his promises.”
