Recommendations & Conclusions
5 items
13
Conclusion
Second Report - The condition of school…
Acknowledged
We asked DfE about the temporary classrooms it was providing for schools unable to use some of their space because of RAAC. It told us that it had three central contracts in place to supply temporary classrooms, but in general they would initially be provided to schools where the presence …
Government response. The government states it is funding emergency capital works, including temporary buildings, and provides dedicated support to schools with confirmed RAAC to ensure face-to-face education. However, it does not provide the specific number of temporary classrooms supplied, which the committee …
HM Treasury
14
Conclusion
Second Report - The condition of school…
Acknowledged
DfE explained that it hoped to use the central contracts to enable speedier delivery of temporary classrooms to all RAAC-affected schools who needed them, and to pay for them centrally—including for specialist equipment within the classroom where 17 September 2023 session, Qq 117, 140–141 18 September 2023 session, Qq 121, …
Government response. The government states it is funding emergency works, including temporary buildings, and has assigned caseworkers to support schools with bespoke plans. It highlights efforts to process requests quickly, ensure processes are not burdensome, and arrange urgent payments, implying improvements to …
HM Treasury
17
Conclusion
Second Report - The condition of school…
Acknowledged
We asked DfE some questions intended to shed light on the latest position with RAAC at the time of our evidence session on 11 September, such as the number of pupils who were unable to start the school year as normal, and the number of specialist surveys that were outstanding. …
Government response. The government agrees with the observation but commits only to writing to the Committee alongside the publication of the Treasury Minute, without specifying a strategy for regular public information on RAAC.
HM Treasury
18
Conclusion
Second Report - The condition of school…
Acknowledged
On 19 September, the Secretary of State issued an updated statement on RAAC. It detailed that: DfE had received questionnaire responses in relation to 98.6% of schools with blocks built in the target era; every school that was awaiting a specialist survey when the previous statement was made on 4 …
Government response. The government agrees with the observation but commits only to writing to the Committee alongside the publication of the Treasury Minute, without offering further specific updates or actions.
HM Treasury
31
Conclusion
Second Report - The condition of school…
Acknowledged
We asked DfE about longer-term risks to value for money. It described a set of schools that pose no safety risks and can be maintained to a reasonable condition. However, when considering the work needed to keep these schools in good condition over a five- to ten- year timeframe, DfE …
Government response. The government agrees with the committee's observation and, while citing existing guidance and support for estate management, states it is considering how to further clarify roles and support responsible bodies to manage estates effectively for the long-term, with a target …
HM Treasury