SCHOOLS' PLANS FUNDING WARNING

2 September 2005

Questions have been raised over plans to spend £20 million on Bishop Gore school after it was labelled a major financial risk. The Post has seen minutes from a top-level directors' meeting which outline the funding fears.

Deputy chief executive Bob Carter raised concerns over the progress of key parts of the council's plans.According to the minutes, Mr Carter said: "There are a number of key elements which are not going to plan - major financial risks are evident."

A council spokesman has confirmed that one of these risks is proposed improvements to Bishop Gore School so it can accommodate pupils from Dylan Thomas School, which has been earmarked for closure.

The minutes added there was a need to flag up where things were not going to plan and that 'there is a difficult task ahead'. Swansea Council claims the comments have been taken out of context and merely summarised part of the meeting.

A spokesman said: "The additional cost of the Bishop Gore scheme would be one example of the risks identified.

"These comments arise from routine internal management discussions about progress in the current year on performance and financial targets, which will shortly be reported to cabinet.

"Major financial risks for which forward planning is needed are identified every year in the budget and financial planning processes.

"However, the main point of the discussion was reminding directors of the internal timetable and process already agreed in which additional spending needs and opportunities for making savings need to be identified, in anticipation of a tight spending settlement for next year from the Assembly."

Mr Carter's concerns have increased speculation on the financial viability of a number of high profile schemes.

The council is wants to spend huge amounts refurbishing the leisure centre, creating a new home for the central library and improving Bishop Gore Comprehensive School.

A spokesman for the Labour group said: "This view of the council's top managers is patently at odds with the up-beat message coming from Chris Holley and company."