Letter to Paul Carter, Leader of the Council 4 November 2005

11.43.07am GMT Tue 8th Nov 2005

The Future Organisation of Schools

At today's Cabinet Scrutiny meeting your colleagues accepted that they would be opposing the Education White Paper. The KCC Labour group is also opposed to this White Paper. As you may be aware, Liberal Democrats at both Parliamentary and local Government level have also opposed the White Paper.

Both the Administration and the Labour Opposition Groups are not only united in their opposition to the White Paper, but each taking an opposing stand to their Parliamentary colleagues' policy. We are all agreed that were the White Paper to be passed it would unravel much of the good work by our Education staff to encourage schools into an inclusive and co-operative way of working which is driving up standards across the County.

It would send a strong message to Government if the Full Council Agenda for December 15th could include an item for debate on the White Paper, around which 3 parties of the largest LEA in the country could unite in opposition to the White Paper. This would also go someway to engage all 84 Councillors in meeting one of your inaugural Leader's speech pledges that all parties will work collectively and responsibly to supply the best possible education to pupils and to welcome challenges and take them on with relish.

Yours sincerely

Mike Eddy, Leader, Labour Grp & Chairman Cabinet Scrutiny

Chris Capon, Conservative Cabinet Scrutiny Spokesman

Trudy Dean, Leader, Liberal Democrat Grp & Cabinet Scrutiny Spokesman