We pensioners have to try to protect our rights and improve our lives. However, we can’t forget the importance of the youth. The future depends on them but it is our responsibility to provide them with the tools they need to succeed in life. Those of you who have grandchildren surely want them to be happy not only while they are young, but also when they reach adulthood. That does why improving our schools needs to be a priority to assure that the younger generations live a fulfilled life.

In order to get that, over £300m (a combination of central government and council money) has been spent over the past decade on rebuilding or refurbishing over 20 of the borough’s schools, two brand-new schools have been built and several primary schools have expanded to provide much-needed extra places. 

How is it been possible to carry out all these works? It has been possible thanks to the Building Schools for the Future programme, an initiative to replace, rebuild or renovate every secondary school in England over a 15-20 year period. Although this plan was cancelled in 2010, Lewisham had already benefited from the funding so all the projects have been able to proceed.

All these works and improvements show that our council is aware of the importance of investing in future generations. These policies are crucial to assure everybody’s well-being. However, are they doing enough or do you think that they should be doing more?