The Diocese of Portsmouth is not “bluffing” over possible legal action against the Isle of Wight Council, a Church of England (C of E) education chief said.
Addressing County Hall, diocesan director of education Jeff Williams tore into cabinet member Councillor Jonathan Bacon over his “insulting” use of the word “threats” in relation to legal action which Mr Williams said was currently being considered in response to school closure plans.
Bacon: “Threats of legal action” have “not come forward”
Towards the beginning of the corporate scrutiny committee meeting on Tuesday, Councillor Bacon said the closure proposals had been subject to “threats of legal action” which have “not come forward”.
In a letter mentioning possible legal action sent to the council last month, the Diocese of Portsmouth described the proposals as “unclear, inconsistent and damaging”.
The Diocese said County Hall had not carried out a “fair and reasonable process” for identifying three C of E schools – Oakfield, Brading, and Arreton primaries — for closure, as well as primaries in Cowes and Wroxall.
Williams: His use of the word threat tonight is insulting to me
Mr Williams told the chamber,
“His use of the word threat tonight is insulting to me, as I am leading on this, and all those present.
“Threat is a hugely emotive and charged word. This is not a threat – this is a factual, legal case that we are discussing with our lawyers.”
He went on to accuse Councillor Bacon of “hearing” but not “listening” in his conversations with the cabinet member. He said,
“Listening involves taking into account everything people have said, that they’ve given to you in writing and I think the decision has already been taken…we feel has been the case since the start.”
Bacon: The proposed challenge that was outlined is now out of time
Earlier in the meeting, Councillor Bacon said,
“I am confident of the (school planning) process…yes, the first step in a proposed judicial review was taken in that a letter before action was issued which was responded to on 4th March and we heard no more since then.
“And the proposed challenge that was outlined is now out of time. Obviously, there is the basis for challenge should any further decisions take place this coming Thursday.”
Councillor Bacon has been approached for further comment.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
