RUNNING Barnsley's new 'super-schools' could cost as much as £1 billion over the next 25 years, the Chronicle can reveal.
The council's ruling cabinet was discussing the Building Schools for the Future programme in a 'behind-closed-doors' meeting yesterday afternoon.
But the Chronicle was leaked a copy of confidential papers.
Estimates in the document show Barnsley will get more than £600 million towards the running of the new advanced learning centres from the government.
A contribution will also be made from the schools' budget leaving the council to fund about £200 million.
Council leader Steve Houghton yesterday told the Chronicle that was affordable and the scheme is value for money.
He said: "We have had two sets of independent inspections to check the programme and check it is affordable and value for money."
