17 August 2009

Borough seeks to overturn schools ruling

Kingston RLBC is seeking to overturn the Greenwich Judgenment which currently prohibits councils from turning away school children who live outside the authorities boundary.

The Borough has made the proposal to the Local Government Association as part of a submission under the Sustainable Communities Act and could significantly change national law on school admissions policy. 

The Greenwich Judgement, a 1989 ruling from the House of Lords, prevents council-run schools from denying places to children solely because they are from other boroughs.

Kingston has an influx of children from outside the borough trying to get into its schools - up to a third of intake at the most popular schools comes from outside the borough.

Kingston was one of 85 local authorities who signed up to use the Sutainable Communities Act’s powers last year and has since been accepting ideas from residents, charities and community groups both online and from public meetings.

Leader of Kingston, Derek Osbourne said: 'Central government has a strangle-hold over the Council’s ability to guarantee school places for children who live in the borough. 

'Whilst I am worried that the complexity of the submission’s process will filter out the most important, radical suggestions – such as the overhaul of the Greenwich Judgement – the Sustainable Community Act is too good an opportunity to miss for bringing local concerns to national attention.'
 
The Council's cabinet agreed on three proposals to go forward to the LGA:

* That the Government overturn the Greenwich Judgement, thus allowing 'local school places for local children'.

* That the Royal Borough of Kingston should be able to keep a proportion of the business rates collected which would be ring-fenced for investment in programmes that contributed to local economic and social sustainability.

* That the Government introduce additional licensing conditions for puppy vendors which will enable Local Authorities to enforce a ban on dogs imported from puppy farms and which will improve the welfare standards in pet shops.

Devolutions clean air dividend image

Devolution's clean air dividend

Jane Burston of Clean Air Fund argues that tackling air pollution is one of the clearest ways for local leaders to prove devolution can transform lives.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Social Worker

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£38,976 - £52,767
Social Worker£... London
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Executive Director - Growth

Warrington Borough Council
£143,662 per annum
We are seeking an innovative and forward-thinking Executive Director of Growth to join us as Warrington Warrington, Cheshire
Recuriter: Warrington Borough Council

Executive Director - Transformation and Improvement

Warrington Borough Council
£143,662 per annum
Warrington Borough Council is currently delivering a significant programme of recovery and transformation Warrington, Cheshire
Recuriter: Warrington Borough Council

Registration Service Advisor

Essex County Council
Up to £25959.00 per annum
Registration Service AdvisorFixed Term, Full Time£25,959 Per AnnumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Part Time Pre-school / Nursery Assistant (term time only)

Essex County Council
Up to £25959.00 per annum + Pro Rata
Part Time Pre-school / Nursery Assistant (term time only)Permanent, Part Time£25,959 Per Annum, full time equivalentLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner