Lib Dems:
Responding to the Government’s announcement on free schools, Liberal Democrat Education Spokesperson Layla Moran said:

“Free schools are not the answer and there is no evidence that they improve attainment. They are poor value for money at a time when money is tight. They also promote a tortuous system that lacks vision and parents find hard to navigate.

“Ultimately, the Government has to face up to the fact that schools are struggling as a result of devastating funding cuts, which have led to reductions in the numbers of teachers, and schools struggling to afford basic supplies. One off funding announcements for the Government’s pet projects will not be enough to reverse the damage being done.

“The Liberal Democrats would repeal the rule that all new state-funded schools must be free schools or academies and give local authorities, who are accountable to the electorate, clear responsibility for local school places planning.”