To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what the reason is for the withdrawal of £7 million from the Isle of Wight Council budget in respect of primary capital funding from the national budget. (181803)

There has been no withdrawal of funding. Overall capital support for Isle of Wight and its schools during the period covered by the comprehensive spending review (2008-11) is £36 million. Capital support for the period covered by the current spending review (2005-08) is £37.4 million (excluding funding earmarked specifically for a Building Schools for the Future One School Pathfinder project). Although, in comparison to 2006-07 and 2007-08, there has been a reduction in capital support for the provision of new pupil places in areas of population growth (or Basic Need) this is in line with forecast data provided by the local authority. However, from 2009-10, Isle of Wight will benefit from the introduction of the new Primary Capital Programme which aims to support local authorities in implementing a strategic approach to renewing at least half of all primary schools by 2022-23.