I write in response to Peter Lewis’s letter, titled ‘Secondary Education.’ At the council meeting mentioned, I referred to the unexpected change of tune from the Welsh Government.
I’m pleased to see that Mr.
Lewis – unlike some councillors, it has to be said – was able to distinguish between the possibility of the Welsh Government accepting a ‘Plan B’ on secondary education reform, and the existence of a Plan B.
I do not know if a Plan B has ever been put to the Welsh Government, but I believe the information I gleaned from the council’s statutory finance officer, that the Welsh Government is prepared to accept a Plan B, should have been referred to all councillors as soon as it became apparent.
Councillors have been effectively threatened to date with the Welsh Government’s likely withdrawal of large funds should the plans on the table not go ahead or be stalled.
I suspect a Plan B does not exist, and the idea of one probably only came about when PCC and the Welsh Government realised the strength of local opinion against the current plans, as covered in your newspaper and other media. What I was told is that the WG would give consideration to an alternative configuration of secondary education schooling, if necessary.
As for what could constitute a Plan B, all I was told by the officer – during an Audit Committee workshop of all places – is that the Pembroke Campus could become a new secondary school in its own right.
The fact that there was no intention to refer this information to councillors demonstrates a lot in my opinion.
And the fact that it made no difference when I raised it during the meeting, may say a whole lot more.
Jacob Williams
County Councillor
East Williamston
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