School buildings cash hopes blow

> £50m is needed for new buildings at Berwick Academy

- JAMES ROBINSON Local democracy reporter james.robinson@reachplccom

JHE Government has refused to commit to funding part of the £50 million cost of new school buildings for Berwick Academy.

Northumberland County Council will shoulder most of the cost, but has requested a £13 million contribution from the Department for Education.

DfE officials have said that they cannot make any commitments on future spending before the next multi-year phase of the spending review.

This is due to be completed later this year. It comes amid criticism of the county council for failing to deliver a business case for the project.

However, council bosses say the project is progressing as planned.