"PINOCCHIO" (Letters, August 26) argues that Bury Council broke its own rules regarding extra budget expense resulting from the primary school closure programme.

The Strategic Review process was the subject of the most intense scrutiny, with the proposals at various times being considered by the council's own executive committee and scrutiny commission; by the independent school organisation committee (SOC); the schools adjudicator; the Secretary of State for Education and Skills; and on two occasions the High Court. Throughout, the council's position was accepted and vindicated, even when challenged on the processes followed by the council rather than the principle of the closures.

The council's executive committee received detailed reports outlining the costs associated with the various proposals, which indicated that no additional funding, beyond what was contained in the education service's agreed revenue and capital budgets, was needed to implement the proposals.

Bury's education finances are exemplary, consistently achieving high standards, and are fully compliant with all statutory rules and regulations. "Pinocchio", along with any other council tax payer, is entitled to inspect the accounts and raise issues with the external auditor if they can establish any evidence to support the accusation of wrong-doing or rule-breaking (for information, the statutory financial reports for schools and the rest of the education service are available on the council's website as well as being available in public libraries).

"Pinocchio" talks of the need to be told of massive savings, suggesting that this was the primary purpose of the review. It was not -- it was about responding to a significant fall in pupil numbers and the impact of this on schools.

With fewer pupils, an increasing number of schools would have faced pressures to reduce spending on resources and facilities, and ultimately to reduce staff, all to the detriment of a great many pupils. The strategic review resulted in ongoing revenue savings of £200,000 per annum, all of which has been passed onto schools.

However, and just as importantly, a number of schools in those areas facing the greatest impact of falling rolls have seen their pupil numbers sustained as a result of the closure of neighbouring schools. Without action to rationalise provision, these schools would now be facing budget pressures.

COUNCILLOR MAGGIE GIBB,

Executive member,

Lifelong Learning,

Bury Council.