Closed exam board office cost £3,000 a year

The North West Teachers’ Centre is amongst three exam board offices to close due to budget constraints as CCEA consolidates in Belfast.

Now the Education Minister John O’Dowd has revealed the office cost £3k a year to rent.

SDLP MLA Colum Eastwood asked the Minister what was the current rental cost for the office.

He replied: “I have been advised by the interim Chief Executive of the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment that the current rental cost for an office in the North West Teachers’ Centre in Derry is £3,060 per annum.”

Last month the Sentinel reported how three staff would be affected by the decision of the CCEA not to renew the rental of office space in Londonderry, Omagh and Newry beyond June 2011.

Mr O’Dowd revealed the office space was being relinquished due to budget constraints.

The Minister explained: “CCEA’s interim Chief Executive has informed me that CCEA has office space in the North West Teachers’ Centre, the Omagh Library Complex and Newry Teachers’ Centre.

“However, in light of business need and budget constraints, CCEA has made the decision not to renew the arrangements for the rental of the three off-site spaces beyond 30 June 2011.

“CCEA anticipates that the 3 staff concerned will continue to work within the organisation and consultation about the new working arrangements is continuing.”