2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 Latest Press Releases 24 March 2003 Foster lobbies for school building cash Michael Foster, MP for Worcester, has added his voice to support for a multi-million pound bid for school buildings under the controversial Private Finance Initiative. Worcestershire County Council has bid for cash to refurbish schools in the Bromsgrove area. Mr Foster met with the Head of South Bromsgrove High School early this year when schools were campaigning for a fairer finding formula. Mr Foster then asked for the Local Education Authority to brief him on the bid. As a result, Mr Foster directly lobbied Ministers on behalf of the County Council and Worcestershire schools. Mr Foster said: “I promised both the LEA and the Head of South Bromsgrove High I would support their PFI bid. Although not directly benefiting my constituency, I will continue to do what I can to bring additional cash into the County to be spent on schools.” “There is an indirect benefit for schools in Worcester, which also have need of refurbishment. If Bromsgrove schools can be refurbished using the PFI, then traditional funding routes can be used to pay for work on Worcester schools.” “I know of schools that the LEA admit are in a state, and any boost to Bromsgrove will be a boost for all schools in need.” “Schools should be palaces of learning and not be run-down or worn-out. The under-investment of years gone by is showing itself clearly in the state of some of our school buildings. Putting this right is a slow process – the task is just so big – but it is an essential part of our plan to transform education and the learning experience.” Local Education Authorities will know the result of the bidding process for funds later this month. < Back to Results