FOLLOWING my decision not to support a council review of the Tudor Grange Academy proposals, I have come under much criticism that I feel is unjust.

I take my membership of the Overview & Scrutiny Committee very seriously and only act in the interest of the people, not party politics.

The three objectives outlined were grossly inadequate considering the scale of the issue we face in Redditch.

Why on earth do we need to understand the proposals by Tudor Grange Academy when this information is already in the public domain? Why do we need to assess the potential impact on schooling arrangements when the council has absolutely no powers to stop or influence any such decision?

If anything, this is a matter for the county council, which is in charge of state-ran schools in Worcestershire.

Academy schools are self-contained organisations, which operate independently from the local authority.

That said, in my opinion, they do have a duty to consult with other schools on changes that could impact on the lives of other families in the town.

This brings me onto the third objective, which is to support councillors and advise residents how they can best contribute to the debate and decision. The Tudor Grange governors have already made their decision and are moving forward with their business plan.

Does Councillor Witherspoon really believe a council report will alter this decision?

We do indeed have a duty to lead the community on such matters but I will not be party to a flawed review that will only provide false hopes.

It’s findings will not tell us anything we don’t already know, and frankly, will not have any impact on the Education Funding Agencies decision.

It is therefore a complete waste of council time and money. Yes, the current system is wholly undemocratic and not fit for purpose. Why should parents from other schools, including myself, not have a say?

Between now and 2015, I will be campaigning for a policy to establish County Education Boards that will co-ordinate and oversee all schools.

This is the only solution I believe will provide us with a long-term strategy for our children’s futures.

Councillor Paul Swansborough Winyates Ward.