THE future of a multi-million pound project to take ICT forward in Dudley’s schools has been thrown into doubt after the Government told council chiefs they will no longer be able to rely on private sector cash to fund it.

RM Education, which has offices in Netherton, was confirmed in November as the preferred bidder for the £30m contract to manage and develop ICT in the borough’s schools for the next ten years.

But news that the council’s existing projects can no longer be financed through Private Finance Initiative (PFI) schemes leaves a £10m shortfall and Dudley’s education and technology chiefs now have to come up with an alternative to fund the rest of the scheme – which is due to begin in February.

Stourbridge MP Margot James raised concerns about the issue in the House of Commons on January 17, saying: “This amounts to a sudden cut in funding – £10m over the next ten years – for an important information and communications technology programme in 120 schools.”

However, Dudley Council’s cabinet member for children's services, councillor Liz Walker, said: “The council is committed to ensuring that DGfL3 continues as planned and we are currently seeking clarification from both the DfE and the Department of Communities and Local Government.”

Cllr Walker, who last week had negotiations with officials from the education and communities departments in London, said: “It is difficult but I am hopeful we will find a way, we have had positive and interesting discussions, this project will continue.”

The new DGfL3 scheme, worth around £3m a year, aims to support the borough’s Vision 2025 plan for learning to improve future chances for young people across the Dudley borough.

Cllr Walker said back in November the renewed partnership with leading educational computer supplier RM would enable the council to “put education at the heart of our thinking, with the aim that everyone in the borough will be ambitious, confident and committed to learning.”

The Oxfordshire-based company has been managing and developing ICT services in Dudley’s schools for the last 12 years.