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

Senior/Principal Regeneration Officer

Fareham Borough Council
£45,465 - £55,379
Our town centre regeneration is moving from planning to delivery, and we're looking for someone who wants to help make regeneration happen. Fareham, Hampshire
Recuriter: Fareham Borough Council

Democratic Services Officer - Tendring District Council

Essex County Council
Up to £18.3900 per hour
Democratic Services Officer - Tendring District Council Tendring, Essex 37 Hours per Week, 4 Weeks Contract* £18.39 PAYE / £23.71 Umbrella Closing Dat England, Essex, Clacton-On-Sea
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Lawyer

Durham County Council
£48,738 to £53,051 p.a. (Grade 13)
Are you looking to progress your legal career in child protection work? If so, we are seeking a Lawyer to join our Children’s Social Care Team within Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Receptionist

Durham County Council
£26,016 - £26,847
Wellbeing Sport and Leisure Servies are looking for Receptionists to join their team at
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Caretaker

Durham County Council
£25, 614 (pro rata)
Permanent Contract - Part Time- 27 hours per week - Split shift 6.00am – 8.00am and 2.30pm – 6pm (Mon-Thur) 6.00am – 8.00am and 2.30pm – 5.30pm (Fri) Seaham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner