Power and Politics Are The Priority

Schools standards may fall as the council focuses on political power rather than prioritising student’s education.
Labour argues the council’s decision to merge education services with fellow Conservative councils is motivated by politics instead of providing our children with the best start in life.
Council figures show Westminster schools teach thousands more Brent,
Camden and Lambeth and Southwark students than merging borough
students in Hammersmith and Fulham or Chelsea and Kensington.
Cllr Barrie Taylor, Deputy Leader of the Labour Group, said: “It would
be more appropriate if we concentrated our efforts on improving the
education chances for the 4,378 pupils from the other adjoining
Boroughs already attending schools in Westminster – rather than 831
pupils from Hammersmith & Kensington.
“In the interests of the children using our services we call upon
Westminster Council to reconsider which Authorities they should work
in partnership with to improve the quality of Education services and
the efficiency of its organisation.
Out of 11,275 students in Westminster Primary Schools, the majority
come from Westminster and 311 are from merging boroughs while 1664 are
from Camden, Lambeth and Southwark or Brent.
In secondary schools 520 pupils are from Hammersmith and Fulham or
Kensington and Chelsea and 2714 are from Camden, Brent and Southwark.
Cllr Nickie Aiken, cabinet member for children and young people at
Westminster City Council, said: “We would welcome any other local
authorities who choose to join us, regardless of political colour, due
to the potential additional savings achieved through economies of
scale.
“Merging our education services will reduce duplication, which is all
too common in local government, and drive out needless cost while
improving school standards. It is about delivering more for less.
“In times that are tough, this will allow us to focus what money we do
have on providing frontline services. This is what our residents
expect.
“But local priorities will still be driven by local people, and the
democratic mandate rested in elected councillors such as ourselves,
will be retained.
“Our plans may be the first of their kind, but sharing of services in
this way can no longer be viewed as a radical concept. It will soon
become the norm for local authorities looking for innovative ways to
keep costs down.”
Westminster Council announced a rush into merger discussions with
Hammersmith & Fulham and Kensington & Chelsea on October 22 sparking
accusations over residents losing the ability to hold elected
councillors accountable, a cornerstone of British democracy.