RAAC school reconstruction expenses

author: FutureCar Staff    

Willowbrook Mead Primary Academy in Leicester is one of the schools that have been forced to close due to the presence of RAAC concrete, which is prone to collapse. The Department for Education (DfE) has ordered over 100 schools to partially or fully close because of this issue. RAAC, a lightweight and bubbly concrete used in public buildings from the 1950s to the 1990s, has a lifespan of around 30 years, raising safety concerns about potential collapses.

Currently, more than 150 schools and colleges are affected, with 50 of them already experiencing disruptions this year and an additional 104 added to the list. Many schools have to undergo repairs or close completely before the start of the term, which could be a costly endeavor.

Schools Minister Nick Gibb has disclosed that the Government has spent approximately £15bn on improving schools since 2015. This funding, known as 'school capital funding', amounts to £1.7bn per year and has been used to maintain and enhance school buildings and grounds. In addition, the DfE has allocated £0.9bn per year for rebuilding schools as part of the Schools Rebuilding Programme.

However, it is estimated that much more funding is needed. The department stated that around £4bn would be required for school maintenance over the next five years. The DfE has been aware of the RAAC issue since late 2018.

RAAC, which stands for Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete, is a lightweight and 'bubbly' concrete made from cement, lime, water, and an aeration agent. It was commonly used in buildings constructed between the 1950s and the 1990s, primarily in roofs and occasionally in walls and floors. Although it looks like normal concrete, it is weaker and less durable. Experts warn that RAAC deteriorates over time and is susceptible to sudden failure, with a life expectancy of just over 30 years. Buildings constructed during the specified period that have not been inspected by structural engineers are at risk of collapse.

In addition to schools, RAAC has been utilized in various other public buildings, including police stations, courts, and hospitals. The Standing Committee on Structural Safety (SCOSS) has highlighted that RAAC is very different from traditional concrete and much weaker due to its manufacturing process. It is also worth noting that RAAC is prone to collapse when exposed to moisture, such as through roof leaks.

The National Education Union general secretary, Daniel Kebede, has criticized the government for the situation, stating that it is "absolutely disgraceful" and a sign of incompetence that schools are finding out just days before the start of term that their buildings are unsafe and unusable.

FutureCar Staff