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.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Fraud Investigations Officers

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£30,510 - 49,365 per annum
Job Tittle
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Premises Assistant - ACL Colchester

Essex County Council
Up to £25959.0000 per annum
Premises Assistant - ACL ColchesterPermanent, Part TimeUp to £25,959 per annum (full time equivalent) Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Community Project Officer - 2 year FTC

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Up to £44937 per annum
Help shape community-led projects that build lasting, positive change in North Kensington.As a Community Project Officer, you'll play a key role in su England, London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Housing Officer

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Up to £40404 per annum
Be the first point of support for our residents, making sure homes are safe, communities are strong and services are delivered with care.Working as a England, London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Youth Engagement & Partnerships Officer

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Up to £40404 per annum
Empower young voices, shape local democracy, and build lasting community partnerships.We're all in for young people across our borough, working alongs England, London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Linkedin Banner