UK Government Announces Rebuilding of Schools with Collapse-Risk Concrete
Over 100 schools in England will see blocks rebuilt or refurbished to remove reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete, addressing safety concerns.
- The Department for Education has initiated a rebuilding programme for schools identified with collapse-risk concrete, known as Raac.
- A total of 234 education settings in England have been identified as having Raac, with 119 to undergo more extensive rebuilding or refurbishment.
- School leaders have called for more financial support and a new recovery funding stream for affected schools, highlighting ongoing issues and the impact on student enrollment.
- The government's announcement does not include new funding from the Treasury but outlines how schools will receive necessary costs for building work.
- Critics argue the government's response has been delayed, with calls for a more ambitious investment in the overall school estate to prevent future crises.