Stoke-on-Trent North, Kidsgrove and Talke MP Jonathan Gullis requested time for Parliament to debate the state of Stoke-on-Trent’s schools and the “disastrous PFI debt deal".
It comes amid reports that some schools will face significant financial difficulty as the deal, agreed upon in 2000, comes to a close. Schools are yet to be informed of what support they can expect for 2023/24 and 2024/2025 to help cover surging costs.
Former teacher and Minister for School Standards, Jonathan Gullis, met with school leaders earlier this week and has since raised issues they face with the Department for Education.
Speaking in the House, Jonathan Gullis MP said: "Education is the bedrock to Levelling Up in Stoke-on-Trent North, Kidsgrove and Talke which is why since 2010, I've been delighted that now 92% of schools are rated good or outstanding with Mill Hill Primary Academy in Little Chell and Stanfield Ward and New Ford Academy in Smallthorne, both recently having received the outstanding status".
"But sadly Mr Speaker, Labour's abysmal and dismal record looms large and haunts Stoke-on-Trent thanks to their languishing 88 schools in a disastrous PFI debt deal.”
“Which has meant that recent hikes to the charges facing those schools could put staff livelihoods at risk as well as undermine the very fabric of what we're trying to do, which is turn the great education of our city around after Labour's abysmal failure.”
“So will the Leader of the House assist me in securing an adjournment debate or a Westminster Hall debate so I can raise these matters directly with the relevant departments in order to ensure that these 88 schools can and will be protected?”
Responding, Leader of the House of Commons, The Rt Hon Penny Mordaunt MP, said: "Well, first can I congratulate my honourable friend and the teachers and parents and everyone who has worked in his constituency to improve education standards, that is very good news indeed.”
“But I know as a founding member of the 'No to PFI' campaign, the legacy issues that many public organisations are dealing with.”
“And I know that he has been a doughty campaigner on trying to get these matters resolved and ensuring that the commercial negotiations that need to take place to protect those public services and those working in them are properly under way.”
“Given that Education Questions is not until the end of April, I will make sure that the Secretary of State has heard what he has said today and also the Treasury, which has done much under our administration to try and rectify the damage these contracts have done.”
“I will make sure that they have heard what he has said and he will know how to apply for a debate".