Overview

This bill mandates local referendums on the sale of school playing fields in England. Before a sale can proceed, a public consultation must occur, and if enough people object via a petition, a local referendum will be held. The sale can only go ahead if the referendum is passed by a simple majority.

Description

This act aims to protect school playing fields from sale. It establishes a process requiring local education authorities, academies, and other state-funded schools to adhere to specific procedures before selling playing field land (defined as at least 2000m² of grassed sports pitches, or a synthetic playing surface/hard games court).

Key Steps:

• Public Consultation: The relevant authority must conduct a public consultation, detailing the proposed sale, intended land use, sale proceeds, and plans to mitigate any loss of amenity.
• Petition of Objection: If a petition signed by a sufficient number of eligible persons (threshold to be determined by regulations) is submitted following the consultation, a local area referendum must be held.
• Referendum: The referendum will decide by simple majority whether the sale proceeds. A 'no' vote prevents the sale for 10 years except in extraordinary circumstances defined by future regulations.
• Regulations: The Secretary of State will create regulations defining “eligible persons”, the threshold for triggering a referendum, the referendum question format, and procedures for the independent administration of petitions and referendums. These regulations will be subject to parliamentary approval.
• Review: A review of the act's implementation will be undertaken after five years.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't specify direct government spending figures. However, costs will arise from the administration of petitions, referendums, and the review, impacting local and potentially national government budgets. The exact financial implications will depend on the number of referendums triggered.

Groups Affected

• Local Education Authorities (LEAs), academies, and state-funded schools: They will face new legal requirements regarding the sale of playing fields.
• School Governing bodies, academy sponsors, trustees, foundations: These groups will have additional responsibilities related to the process.
• Local residents and community groups: They will have the opportunity to participate in public consultations and petitions, influencing decisions about the sale of playing fields.
• Developers and potential buyers of school playing fields: The sale process will be more complex and potentially delayed.
• The Secretary of State: Responsible for creating and approving regulations governing the process.

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