Local authorities can use the Government's school regeneration scheme to revive their local economy during the credit crunch, the CBI has said. Business leaders urged the Government to get its £45bn school rebuilding programme, Building Schools for the Future (BSF), ‘back on track' to help the ailing construction industry ‘weather current economic conditions'. CBI's director of public services, Susan Anderson, said ministers needed to put election concerns to one side if BSF is to deliver better education in the long-term. She warned ministers have ‘one last chance to show their political will.' She went on to sympathise with councils that have been reluctant to sign up BFS, blaming the drawn out procurement process. Partnerships for Schools are the body responsible for the delivery of BSF. Chief executive, Tim Byles, said the delays referred to in the report were an ‘historical account'. He said: ‘The end of term report for BSF is a positive one, with the programme hitting or exceeding all delivery targets for 2007/8. BSF continues to be an attractive market for the private sector.' To see the CBI's latest report, click here
