Crickhowell High School debt investigation launched

An investigation is being launched into why Crickhowell High School requires more than £440,000 to write off debts related to community sports and library services. The school, which is highly ranked in Wales, previously announced it would close its sports centre outside of school hours and ceased operating its library at the end of August.

Powys County Council is considering several budget transfers, or “virements,” to address these deficits. This includes a request for £374,000 to clear the sports facilities deficit and £68,000 for library-related debts. Additionally, a proposal exists to permanently transfer the Crickhowell Library budget to the council’s Community Wellbeing department.

The situation has drawn criticism from local officials. Committee chairman Cllr Gwynfor Thomas expressed concerns regarding the fairness of the arrangement, questioning how other schools with large deficits might perceive the decision to write off this debt.