Council’s cash boost for county’s schools

Derbyshire County Council has approved a £16.837 million investment package to improve schools and children’s homes.
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The money would be used to modernise the school buildings and carry out repair work.

Councillor Kevin Gillott, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “There’s a huge backlog of school repairs that increase year on year.

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“We’re making the most of the money we do get so we give Derbyshire children the best education and start in life but we’re facing unprecedented Government budget cuts.

“We’ve given highest priority to buildings in the worst condition or where improvements are needed for health and safety reasons.

“However, there is no hiding my disappointment at the level of funding provided to the council by the Coalition Government.”

The proposed funds will be split between schools across the county for a variety of improvements including roof repairs, new windows and heating maintenance.

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The bulk of the cash, around £12 million, is set to be invested in capital maintenance projects with almost £7 million of that set aside for priority, condition work in schools, such as re-wiring.

A further four and a half million would be used for a basic needs scheme, focused on providing additional school places for the coming academic year.

Around £100,000 of the proposed investment has also been earmarked to improve children’s homes in the area.

Another £500,000 of the cash would be used for joint funding initiatives with schools, where the council would provide 50 per cent of funding, which is then matched by a school to fund improvements.

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Highfields School in Matlock could benefit from an investment of £130,000 if the plans are approved. The money would be used to replace the buildings flat roof and windows.

A report outlining the proposals for the £16 million will be considered by Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet on Monday 2nd June.