he Government has closed schools IT agency Becta as part of its plans to cut £6 billion of public spending.

Becta was charged with promoting the use of technology within education, providing "independent" advice to schools on which hardware and software to buy.

However, it was deemed surplus to requirements in this morning's announcement on Government spending cuts, which is seeing £670 million wiped off the education budget.

Becta claims that the decision will harm schools and pupils. "Naturally we are very disappointed at the Government’s decision," said Becta chief executive Graham Badman. "Becta is a very effective organisation with an international reputation, delivering valuable services to schools, colleges and children.

"Our procurement arrangements save the schools and colleges many times more than Becta costs to run. Our Home Access programme will give laptops and broadband to over 200,000 of the poorest children.

The organisation says there is currently no timescale on its closure. "Our top priorities now are to make sure we have an orderly and fair process for staff, and that as far as possible schools, colleges and children continue to benefit from the savings and support that Becta has provided. We will be talking to Government departments and our other stakeholders including the industry about this.”

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