The critical issue is how school funding it spent

While the government鈥檚 拢820m school funding pot may be less than the proposed 拢982m (), it鈥檚 still encouraging to see funding come forwards.

However, the critical issue is how the money is spent, and it鈥檚 good news the government is turning to frameworks as the most efficient way to do that. Cutting out repetitive tendering, standardising aspects of delivery and being rigorous with measurement criteria mean local authorities can make savings, but still increase quality and performance.

In my region, the West Midlands Contractor Framework has saved 拢6m across 22 projects since 2010 through reduced procurement costs, reduced overruns and greater capital cost certainty. We鈥檝e also been able to deliver other benefits, such as the development of local supply chains, which can drive regional investment and economic growth, bringing with it job opportunities. That鈥檚 an important aspiration at a local level, and something frameworks can really help achieve.

Andrew Peasgood, framework manager at Worcestershire county council, West Midlands Contractor Framework

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