Expected shortage in school places across London becomes critical

London boroughs expect that around 70,000 permanent school places will be needed over the next four years to ensure that every pupil has a permanent school place.   Funding provided by Government so far has been insufficient to meet demand.  In 2011/12 London received £210 million but needs around £520 million to ensure every London pupil has a permanent school place.

 Recognising the budgetary constraints at the Department for Education London Councils has developed a cost neutral solution to London's problem.  London Councils is calling on the Government to revise its funding methodology to ensure that capital funding for school places is allocated to the areas of greatest need.  London Councils' analysis, based on data published by the Department for Education shows that in 2011/12 London has only been allocated 26% of the available funding for school places despite having 64% of the shortfall in places.  This results in London losing out on over £320 million.