This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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West Dunbartonshire schools facelift
06/10/2003
Schools in West Dunbartonshire are in line for a
multi-million pound facelift now that the local authority
has been told it can join the current Public Private
Partnerships (PPP) school building programme.
West Dunbartonshire did not originally bid for a share
of PPP money but have now been granted permission to bid
belatedly.
To date, decisions taken by Ministers will support
almost £2 billion of capital investment in 24 local
authorities.
During a visit to Clydebank High School, Education
Minister Peter Peacock said:
"These are historic times for Scotland's school estate.
We are in the middle of the biggest ever school buildings
programme; a programme which will see 300 schools rebuilt
or substantially refurbished by 2009.
"Our schools play a vital part in unlocking the
potential of our children and by providing the right
teaching and learning environment we can help raise
achievement and attainment. Unfortunately some school
buildings are simply not equipped to meet the needs of
pupils and teachers in the 21st century.
"I am delighted that the new administration in West
Dunbartonshire has decided to join the school PPP
programme. The council's recent HMIE report, while very
positive on the whole, recommended that the condition of
its school buildings be addressed as a matter of
urgency.
"The council will now be asked to work up detailed
proposals. I look forward to seeing its plans and
announcing the exact level of PPP funding it will receive
in due course."
West Dunbartonshire Council Leader Andy White said:
"I am delighted to welcome the Education Minister here
today and even more delighted with the news that he brings
with him. This council will work quickly to ensure that a
sound business case, following thorough consultation will
all stakeholders, will be presented to the Scottish
Executive in as short a time as is possible.
"West Dunbartonshire Council wants to build on the
strong performance of its teachers, reflected in the very
positive HMIE report in June 2003. It is only right that
our school buildings are of the same high standard.
"Our teachers, pupils and parents deserve 21st century
buildings for 21st century education."
Local authorities were invited in September 2001 to bid
for a share of Executive revenue funding to support school
building capital projects under Public Private
Partnerships. They were invited to bid in either December
2001 or September 2002 (later extended to December
2002).
Fifteen local authorities entered bids in December 2001
(tranche one) and all were accepted. The indicative level
of PPP investment supported by the Executive totalled
almost £1.2 billion and was announced in June 2002.
Fourteen local authorities entered bids in December 2002
(tranche two) and nine were accepted. The indicative level
of PPP investment supported by the Executive totalled
almost £750 million and was announced in March 2003.
Discussions are continuing with the other five local
authorities from tranche two about the further development
of their bids.