Government wasting money on free schools, say MPs.

Department of Education accused of spending 'well over the odds' while other schools are neglected.

MPs have criticised the government for wasting money on pursuing its "incoherent" free schools policy while neglecting existing schools.

A report from the cross-party public accounts committee said free schools were being built where they were not needed and accused landowners of overcharging for the sites used.

It also said existing schools were falling into disrepair.

The report concludes: "The system for funding new schools and new places in existing schools is increasingly incoherent and too often poor value for money.

"The Department for Education is spending well over the odds in its bid to create 500 more free schools while other schools are in poor condition.

"Many free schools are in inadequate premises, including many without on-site playgrounds or sports facilities.




Full story at The Week.