Part IXAncillary functions
Chapter IAncillary functions of Secretary of State
Rationalisation of school places
500Directions to bring forward proposals to remedy excessive provision
1
Where the Secretary of State is of the opinion that the provision for primary or secondary education in maintained schools in the area of any local education authority is excessive, then, for the purpose of remedying the excess—
a
he may by an order under this paragraph direct the local education authority to exercise their powers to make proposals for the establishment, alteration or discontinuance of schools, and
b
in the case of any voluntary school in the area, he may by an order under this paragraph direct the governing body to exercise their powers to make proposals for the alteration of their school.
2
Where—
a
the Secretary of State is of the opinion that the provision for primary or secondary education in grant-maintained schools in the area of any local education authority is excessive, and
b
an order under section 27(1) (allocation of responsibility for providing sufficient school places) applies to the area,
he may by an order under this subsection direct the funding authority to exercise their powers to make proposals for the establishment, alteration or discontinuance of schools for the purpose of remedying the excess.
3
An order under subsection (1) or (2) shall—
a
require the proposals to be published, or (as the case may be) notice of the proposals to be served, not later than such date as may be specified in the order, and
b
require the proposals to apply such principles in giving effect to the direction as may be specified in the order.
4
An order under subsection (1)(a) or (2) may not require the proposals to relate to any named school.