School funding report to be deferred

FUNDING arrangements for the next wave of investment in new schools across Bridgend need to be analysed again after Welsh Government changed its contribution for projects.

Bridgend council had produced a report for full council on how the new builds would be financed.

But councillors at a meeting on Wednesday, November 21, voted to defer a decision on the report after being told the Welsh Government had increased its match funding amount.

The new schools form part of the £68.2m second phase of the 21st Century Schools Programme.

Speaking at the meeting, council leader Huw David said: “We have this afternoon been advised that the contribution rate from Welsh Government will increase from 50% to 65%, reducing our contribution rate to 35%.

“This is very good news but because it is a significant change, it is proposed to defer the report to carry out further analysis of options available.”

In December 2017, Welsh Government’s Department for Educa- tion gave an “approval in principle” for Bridgend’s second wave of investment.

The programme has yet to name individual schools but has identified five priority areas: Bridgend North East, Bridgend South East, Bridgend Special School, Bridgend West – Welsh medium, and Bridgend West – English medium.