apology over school building list errors

[willtech]

BBC News - Michael Gove apology over school building list errors

 

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Politics/Michael-Goves-Forced-To-Apologise-For-Mistakes-On-Building-Schools-For-The-Future-Hit-List/Article/201007115660983?lpos=Politics_First_Home_Article_Teaser_Region_6&lid=ARTICLE_15660983_Michael_Goves_Forced_To_Apologise_For_Mistakes_On_Building_Schools_For_The_Future_Hit_List

Edited July 8, 2010 by willtech

[Dos_Box]

Is there an amended list available? To be fair, chances are the mistake was made far down the line by his researchers or staff from the ministry, but as head honcho he took the bullet. Edited July 8, 2010 by Dos_Box

[willtech]

yeah the list they have updated is on the department of education site but you never know when another error is going to be made:

 

http://www.education.gov.uk/news/news/~/media/Files/lacuna/news/bsf/BSFLAwidelistofSchools060710v2.ashx

Edited July 8, 2010 by willtech

[simpsonj]

But isn't all this furore over how many mistakes he's made in the list masking the bigger debate, which is about BSF itself and whether it was a good idea or not? Nothing I've heard in the media lately has advocated for or against it, or even really examined the issue in any great detail...

[Dos_Box]

I have a suspicion that lots to do with BSF, particularly as regards to building costs and consulatancy fees, would not have been a favorite subject for the last govt to be scrutinised in too much detail. Most people here know how money was wasted in various stages of certain BSF projects, and how much certain companies were to treat BSF as a cash cow to be milked for years to come.

[featured_spectre]

Also on top of that Dos_Box, many companies hired there own people as external consultants as a way to claim extra cash on top from the government. I know of some places down here that did that, and the "external consultant" sign a contract saying that a large portion of his fee was to go to the company he was consulting!

[srochford]

WHAT FUTURE FOR BRIDGWATER'S SCHOOLS? - the Conservative MP for Bridgwater arguing that the schools in his constituency should go ahead.

 

I can see his point that the schools need to be replaced but when he was interviewed on the radio this morning he was basically saying "PFI is wonderful - we can build now but pay much later". Isn't this what we're being told has got us into a mess in the first place?

 

It does fit with what Alistair Darling said - not sure if it's true but he claimed that no Conservative MP ever got up in the commons and said "No, don't build a PFI hospital or school in my constituency". They may have been happy to criticise the government but they were never prepared to vote against stuff they felt was needed locally.

[Dos_Box]

I always felt a little sorry for Alistair Darling. I got the impression that he was set up to be the economys fall guy, whilst still having his strings pulled by number 10.

[willtech]

BBC News - Sandwell headteachers attack Gove over school cuts

 

letter to gov from sandwell

Edited July 9, 2010 by willtech

[willtech]

BBC News - Building Schools for the Future row rumbles on

 

Full Second apology

 

News Night Gove and Balls clash over education cuts

Edited July 9, 2010 by willtech

[SpuffMonkey]

I sniggered at the letter in the Guardian - along the lines of

 

Education Secretary forced to apologise over administrative errors on school cuts list - just as well he hasn't upset any civil servants lately..

[PeteM]

So, today, he is now announcing a 5th list??

 

Gove To Unveil Fifth List Of Affected Schools - One News Page [uK]

[torledo]

WHAT FUTURE FOR BRIDGWATER'S SCHOOLS? - the Conservative MP for Bridgwater arguing that the schools in his constituency should go ahead.

 

I can see his point that the schools need to be replaced but when he was interviewed on the radio this morning he was basically saying "PFI is wonderful - we can build now but pay much later". Isn't this what we're being told has got us into a mess in the first place?

 

It does fit with what Alistair Darling said - not sure if it's true but he claimed that no Conservative MP ever got up in the commons and said "No, don't build a PFI hospital or school in my constituency". They may have been happy to criticise the government but they were never prepared to vote against stuff they felt was needed locally.

 

that's the point isn't it, the MP's complaining have a vested interest in schools getting built in their constituency - that'll be the case whatever their position on deficit reduction.....Gove has to look at the overall picture, and that means difficult decisions.

 

I'm not quite sure what people expect.....seems like the reaction is a sort of reverse nimbyism. ie We want this stuff in our back yard [and by implication...] look somewhere else for your cuts. I sincerely hope Gove is able to tough this out.

[PeteM]

that's the point isn't it, the MP's complaining have a vested interest in schools getting built in their constituency - that'll be the case whatever their position on deficit reduction.....Gove has to look at the overall picture, and that means difficult decisions.

 

I'm not quite sure what people expect.....seems like the reaction is a sort of reverse nimbyism. ie We want this stuff in our back yard [and by implication...] look somewhere else for your cuts. I sincerely hope Gove is able to tough this out.

 

If he is going to tough it out he needs to get his facts correct and presented accurately first time round - the way these cutbacks have been announced has been shambolic to say the least (regardless of looking at the bigger picture).