The Cabinet of Bridgend County Borough Council has agreed plans for signing up to a strategic partnership agreement as part of financing arrangements for the second wave of its school modernisation programme.
The move forms part of Welsh Government’s approach to the future funding of schools and is being adopted by other local authorities as well as further education establishments throughout Wales.
It will help to deliver new investment of more than £68m into new schools and educational facilities for Bridgend County Borough.
The strategic partnership will be in place for a minimum of 10 years, with an option to extend it if necessary for an additional five year period.
As part of the arrangement, Cllr Charles Smith, Cabinet Member for Education and Regeneration, will sit as a member of a strategic partnership board which will be set up to monitor and oversee the initiative with Welsh Government, partners and relevant contractors.
Cllr Smith said: “The establishment of a strategic partnership is now a standard arrangement used by Welsh Government to deliver parts of its 21st century schools programme.
“It forms an important element in enabling the council to continue to deliver its own school modernisation programme, and offers a range of benefits such as economy of scale as well as the additional security of being a Welsh Government scheme.
“With feasibility studies underway at a number of locations, I am looking forward to seeing the council deliver the next round of planned educational improvements in Bridgend County Borough.”