Public Accounts Committee report into BSF: PfS statement
11 June 2009
“We welcome the PAC’s report into BSF and in particular, their recognition that central programme management by Partnerships for Schools has helped deliver the programme more effectively, creating central leadership, a single point of accountability, a conduit for learning and knowledge sharing, as well as a pool of expertise to manage the programme and provide support to the Department and local authorities.
“Since the National Audit Office carried out its inquiry last year and the Public Accounts Committee took evidence from DCSF and Partnerships for Schools, the landscape for BSF has developed considerably. A new streamlined approach to delivering the programme has now been introduced, which will see costs reducing by 30 per cent and further acceleration in the delivery timetable. Nearly 90 schools have now benefitted from BSF investment, and 35 deals between local authorities and their private sector partners have closed, including eight deals since the start of the year in spite of the challenging economic climate.
“This is not a question of complacency. It’s a straightforward analysis of the facts. As we have said for two years now, the early assumptions – made before the programme began – were over optimistic. In 2005, new targets were set and since then BSF has met or exceeded the target for schools openings. The National Audit Office stated that to deliver the programme by 2023, 200 schools must be in construction by 2011. Our detailed planning confirms that we will significantly exceed this, with 300 schools in construction by 2011, most of which are already under contract. As such, assuming continued levels of investment, the vast majority of projects will be completed by 2020, delivering world-class learning environments to all young people and teachers in England.”
