Council chiefs in Medway say a Government decision not to give them a share of a multi-million pound schools windfall is only temporary.

Medway Council applied for a chunk of the Primary Programme Funding scheme to help re-build or refurbish primary schools across the Medway Towns.

But they walked away empty handed this week after officials raised concerns over surplus places and future targets.

It does not mean Medway will lose out with the Council remaining confident that it will get a share of the windfall eventually, possibly early next year.

But they admit further work will be needed on its bid before the funding is released.

Medway is one of 15 local authorities in England unsuccessful in their initial bid.

Rose Collinson, director for adult and children services for Medway Council, said: "We heard we hadn’t been successful in our initial primary capital funding bid.

"The Department for Children, Schools and Families wanted more detail on how the strategy would impact on schools below floor targets, on surplus places, and on promoting choice and diversity.

"They also wanted more specific evidence of our delivery capacity.

"Neither the amount nor the timing of the funding should be affected by the need to strengthen our strategy, and we’ll be working closely with DCSF officers to ensure that we have a bid which meets their criteria submitted by the due date (end of January 2009).

"Plans for the Primary Capital Programme were first announced by the then Chancellor in his 2005 Budget Statement.

"The programme commits to renewing at least half of all primary school buildings by 2022-23.

"The aim is to create primary schools that are equipped for 21st-century teaching and learning, and are at the heart of their communities with children’s services in reach of every family."

To access funding all authorities were asked to prepare and submit to the DCSF a primary strategy for change.

Kent County Council is set to receive £31.7million of funding from the initiative.