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Chief financial officers

Council Assures Taxpayers Won't Foot the Bill for New School Overspend

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A planned new school in Dudley, Pens Meadow School, is expected to cost £17.7 million, a £2.7 million increase from the original budget. The project was approved despite initial concerns raised by the council's finance officer, and the additional funds will be covered by the Department for Education's Capital Needs allocations. The new school, which will cater for up to 155 pupils, aims to provide specialist care and education for children with complex special needs, reducing the need for expensive out-of-borough placements and associated transport payments.

Key Takeaways:

  • The final cost of the new Pens Meadow School building is predicted to be £17.7 million, a 14% increase from the original budget.
  • The additional funds will be supported by the Department for Education's Capital Needs allocations.
  • The new school will cater for up to 155 pupils aged from three to 19 and will provide specialist care and education for children with complex special needs.
  • The school is expected to provide year-on-year savings of between £0.8m and £1.3m annually by reducing the need for expensive out-of-borough placements.
  • The new school will be fully operational by January and will include facilities such as a hydrotherapy pool, therapy rooms, outdoor teaching and play areas, and 14 larger classrooms.
  • Councillor Wayne Little, cabinet member for children and young people, says council taxpayers will not foot the bill for the overspend.
  • The school is a replacement for run-down facilities and aims to keep vulnerable children closer to their home communities.

Statistics:

  • £17.7 million: The final cost of the new Pens Meadow School building.
  • £2.7 million: The increase in cost from the original budget.
  • £0.8m-£1.3m: The expected annual savings achieved by the new school.
  • 155: The maximum number of pupils the new school will cater for.
  • 14: The number of larger classrooms in the new school, which can be adapted for children with additional needs.
  • 3-19: The age range of pupils that the new school will cater for.
  • January: The expected operational date of the new school.

Sources:

*

"Children's services chief says council taxpayers will not foot the bill for a 14 per cent new school overspend." - Local Democracy Reporter

*Dudley Council*

*Department for Education*

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