Public sector building audit for RAAC risk

Home > Industry Analysis > Content

【Summary】Labour has called for an audit of all public sector buildings in England after over 100 schools were closed due to the risk of collapse from the use of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC). The material, used in public buildings from the 1950s to the mid-1990s, poses a high risk of collapse in poor condition. Labour is urging the government to take public safety seriously and investigate the extent of the problem.

FutureCar Staff Sep 02, 2023 9:59 AM PT

Public sector building audit for RAAC risk

Around 104 school buildings in England have been forced to close due to the risk of collapse caused by the use of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC). Labour is now urging the government to conduct an immediate audit of all public sector buildings in light of this issue.

The Department for Education ordered the closure of these school buildings weeks before the start of the new school term. RAAC was commonly used in the construction of public buildings from the 1950s to the mid-1990s, and those structures that are now in poor condition are at high risk of collapse.

Not only were schools affected, but other public sector buildings such as office buildings, emergency service hubs, hospitals, and healthcare facilities were also constructed using RAAC. The NHS has already replaced some at-risk buildings and plans to address others.

Labour is demanding an immediate investigation into the impact of RAAC on public sector buildings. Angela Rayner MP, Labour's deputy leader, criticized the government for not prioritizing public safety and called for an urgent audit to assess the extent of the problem.

The government had already been alerted to the risk of roof and building collapses in the education sector as early as 2021, according to a Department of Education report. The risk level had escalated from "crisis - likely" to "critical - very likely", but action was only taken two years later.

Schools minister Nick Gibb stated that the decision to close the school buildings was made after extensive consultation with the schools and due to new information that emerged.