Taxpayers’ Money at Risk in Charter Schools

It is unlikely the government will ever recover money from a charter school’s land and buildings if the school fails, says New Zealand First.

“In Parliament today Associate Education Minister Nikki Kaye could not adequately explain how the government would recover the assets paid for by the taxpayer,” says Education Spokesperson Tracey Martin.

“The Government has spent $6.6 million to establish five Partnership Schools, plus $1.9 million for operations.

“The Associate Minister simply could not explain what would happen if the school closed, and she mistakenly claimed this would be the case for any state school.

“The government is content to risk taxpayers’ money by not setting up a full-proof agreement that would return the assets to the state if the school fails.

“The public needs to be reassured that the purchase of land and assets will remain in the hands of the public.

“Also, the Minister should not exempt Partnership Schools from Official Information Act requests, and their records must be open to scrutiny. Taxpayers have a right to know where their taxes are going,” says Ms Martin.

ENDS

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