14 November 2008
By David Meilton
The government has given the go-ahead for a £3.55bn programme to rebuild and refurbish primary schools in England.
Children, Schools and Families Secretary Ed Balls said on November 12 that 1,500 planned projects would go ahead in 133 local authorities. A further 15 authorities are being urged to produce plans within three months.
The government is releasing £1.75bn of funding for its Primary Capital Programme, with town halls contributing a further £1.8bn.
Balls promised to 'sweep away buildings now reaching the end of their shelf life'. He added that the investment 'will not only improve the education of our children, but help to support jobs'.
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