Church of England threatens legal action ahead of Isle of Wight school closure decision

The Diocese of Portsmouth is not “bluffing” over possible legal action against the Isle of Wight Council, a Church of England (C of E) education chief has said.

The Diocese said County Hall had not carried out a “fair and reasonable process” for identifying three C of E schools – Oakfield, Brading, and Arreton primaries — for closure, as well as primaries in Cowes and Wroxall.

Addressing County Hall on Tuesday night (March 18th), diocesan director of education Jeff Williams tore into cabinet member Cllr Jonathan Bacon over his “insulting” use of the word “threats” in relation to legal action which Mr Williams said was currently being considered in response to school closure plans.

Towards the beginning of the corporate scrutiny committee meeting, Cllr Bacon said the closure proposals had been subject to “threats of legal action” which have “not come forward”.

In a letter mentioning possible legal action sent to the council last month, the Diocese of Portsmouth described the proposals as “unclear, inconsistent and damaging”.

Mr Williams told the chamber: “His use of the word threat tonight is insulting to me, as I am leading on this, and all those present.

“Threat is a hugely emotive and charged word. This is not a threat – this is a factual, legal case that we are discussing with our lawyers.”

He went on to accuse Cllr Bacon of “hearing” but not “listening” in his conversations with the cabinet member.

“Listening involves taking into account everything people have said, that they’ve given to you in writing and I think the decision has already been taken…we feel has been the case since the start,” he said.

Earlier in the meeting, Cllr Bacon said: “I am confident of the (school planning) process…yes, the first step in a proposed judicial review was taken in that a letter before action was issued which was responded to on March 4 and we heard no more since then.

“And the proposed challenge that was outlined is now out of time. Obviously, there is the basis for challenge should any further decisions take place this coming Thursday.”

Cllr Bacon has been approached for further comment.

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