Treasury denies additional funds for school repairs

author: FutureCar Staff    

The Department for Education (DfE) will allocate funds from its existing capital budget to repair school buildings at risk of collapse, according to sources. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has pledged to "spend what it takes" to ensure classroom safety after concerns were raised about reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) causing closures at the start of the new term. Hunt stated that an extensive process has been undertaken to identify unsafe buildings, and the cost of repairs could be managed through the DfE's current budget.

Over 100 schools and colleges have been instructed by the government to fully or partially shut buildings following the recent collapse of a previously deemed safe beam. Schools minister Nick Gibb has acknowledged that more classrooms may have to close, and Hunt confirmed that further structural problems could arise in the coming weeks or months. The government is also investigating the presence of asbestos in schools and other public buildings, which may complicate the issue.

Hunt has assured that the government will take action to keep children safe, whether it is related to Raac or the wider asbestos problem. However, there is still uncertainty regarding which costs will be covered by the central government. Unions are demanding that all costs be covered, including expenses for temporary accommodation. The government has adjusted its guidance to suggest that the costs of temporary accommodation will be covered, but Hunt did not guarantee reimbursement for headteachers.

The crisis will not result in a return to lockdown, according to Education Secretary Gillian Keegan. She emphasized that remote learning should only be used as a last resort if face-to-face lessons are not possible. The government has advised schools to use community centers or other schools as temporary locations while structural supports are installed to mitigate the risk of collapse. Labour has criticized the government's response to the crisis, calling it a "bare bones" approach. Shadow education secretary Bridget Phillipson expressed concerns about funding mitigation work from the existing budget, as it may impact other necessary measures.

Keegan will provide an update to Parliament next week, and Labour plans to force a vote to compel the government to publish a list of affected schools. Schools in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland are also being assessed for the presence of Raac. The Scottish government has identified Raac in 35 schools, but stated that there is no immediate risk to pupil safety. The Welsh government has reported no presence of Raac in councils and colleges.

FutureCar Staff