Three local authorities are taking legal action  against the government for axing the £55bn Building Schools for the Future programme.

Labour-run councils in Nottingham, Luton and Waltham Forest have all called for a judicial review of the decision, taken by education secretary Michael Gove in July.

Nottingham City Council has lodged papers in the Leeds Administrative Court requesting permission to apply for a judicial review of Mr Gove’s decision to stop funding for Top Valley and Trinity schools and Top Valley Learning Centre.

Nottingham is appealing against the decision to halt funding for Top Valley and Trinity schools, and Top Valley Learning Centre.

The council says it had a legitimate expectation that funding would be granted after the outline business case for the three schemes was approved in February.

It also says the cut-off date of 1 January for stopping funding for projects was irrational and arbitrary.

In a cost saving measure, Nottingham has teamed up with Luton council to launch legal action together and cut legal fees.

Labour-led Waltham Forest Council has spent  up to £17m procuring contractors. It says the cancellation of the programme is having an impact on thousands of young people learning in unsuitable classrooms.

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