Cabinet approves latest stage in the BSF process

The role of the LEP is to ensure that BSF money is used efficiently and effectively to improve Staffordshire's secondary schools in Tamworth and Rugeley. A LEP is a public private partnership between Staffordshire County Council, Partnerships for Schools (who represent the Government) and a private sector partner and will provide building and design, facilities management, construction and ICT services for the BSF schools.

Ian Parry, Deputy County Council Leader, said: "This decision allows us to take the first step in finding a partner to help design and build the new BSF secondary schools in Tamworth and Rugeley.

"When these new schools are up and running the LEP will also maintain the buildings, allowing schools to focus on their core business of teaching and learning.

"Where possible we will be looking to build in as many opportunities into the scope of the LEP to provide local jobs and apprenticeships that will contribute to the regeneration of both areas.

"This is further proof that we are doing everything we can to transform education in Staffordshire and improve our children's life chances."

The process will start next spring to seek expressions of interest from potential private sector partners.