North Tyneside Tories call for more scrutiny over Monkseaton High closure consultation

North Tyneside Tories are calling for extra scrutiny over the council's intention to launch a consultation on the closure of Monkseaton High School.

Local Tory leader, Coun Liam Bones, has submitted a letter to the authority's chief executive to "call in" the council's decision to begin a formal consultation on closing Monkseaton High by August 2026. Parents were informed on Thursday that "no viable alternatives" had been found to save the school, despite a previous six-week public consultation, which saw over 900 online submissions from residents.

A council report, following analysis of the initial consultation, which ended on October 30, stated: “The closure of Monkseaton High School is considered necessary on the basis that it is no longer viable. In addition, there are surplus places elsewhere in the local area, which can accommodate displaced pupils, and there is no predicted increase in demand for the school in the medium to long term.”

However, the council's intention to begin the next phase of the consultation is subject to a five-day "call-in period", meaning, councillors who are not members of the council's cabinet can request the next consultation phase be brought in for further scrutiny.

On the prospective closure of the Whitley Bay school, Coun Bones said: "A decision of this magnitude will have a significant impact on not just students, families, and the local community but also the council's finances. The decision will ultimately cost the council millions of pounds, so it is right that elected councillors make the decision rather than officers.

"That's why we've requested the decision to close Monkseaton High School be 'called-in' so councillors can properly discuss and then vote on the way forward. I hope all councillors will support our call for property accountability on this important matter. "

However, a "call-in" requires councillors to specify how a decision has not allegedly complied with the "principles of decision making" the council must follow and specify how it does not comply with its budget or policy framework. If a "call-in" is deemed valid by the council's chief executive it can then be referred to the council's overview and scrutiny co-ordination and finance committee.

If the committee is satisfied that a decision falls short of the council's budget or policy framework requirements, it can refer the matter back to the council for consideration.

Join our Breaking News and Top Stories WhatsApp community

Join our Breaking News and Top Stories WhatsApp community for all the latest news direct to your phone.

To join you need to have WhatsApp on your device. All you need to do is choose which community you want to join, click on the link and press 'join community'.

No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the ChronicleLive team.

We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners.

If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.

If you’re curious, you can read our privacy notice.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN