Councillors Insist on Open, Fair Schools Consultation

At a special meeting last night Bedford Borough Council's Scrutiny committee insisted that the consultation document on restructuring the local schools system must be open and fair, including information on possible financial costs.

The meeting, called by the Liberal Democrats to allow a public discussion of the issues around the Council's consultation process before its launch later this month, saw the Lib Dems obtain a commitment from the Mayor that information on potential costs will be included in the consultation. The committee called for all information in the document to be based on evidence, not assertion, and for the two options of retaining a three tier system and moving to a two tier system to be given equal prominence.

The meeting was called by the Scrutiny Committee's Vice-Chair and Liberal Democrat Group Education Spokesman Cllr Michael Headley, who commented: "We are pleased that the Scrutiny Committee has delivered a clear message that the consultation on this crucial issue must be open and fair. The council must do all it can to seek the views of as many people as possible over this issue of such fundamental importance. It must also ensure that people are able to make their minds up on the basis of the whole picture.'

"That is why we were particularly pleased to obtain a commitment from the Mayor that the consultation will include an indication of potential financial costs. While precise figures may change, it is vital that the public is given as much information on the possible costs to them as taxpayers. When the consultation begins later this month, I would encourage everyone to make sure they have their say."

The Scrutiny Committee made the following recommendations at last night's meeting:

• That the consultation document must include an indication of financial costs

• That the consultation process must be open and fair, and allow a full and informed debate on the far-reaching implications of such a fundamental change in the system of schooling in the Borough.

• That the two possible options of retaining a three tier system and moving to a two tier system are given equal prominence in the document.

• That information provided in the document is complete and unbiased and based on evidence not assertion.

• That the council should seek to reach out to all communities as part of the consultation process