Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 15
15
Accepted
DfE outlining reimbursement process for schools' RAAC-related costs and surveys
Conclusion
DfE told us that, where a school hires portable classrooms, this counts as revenue expenditure. In this case, DfE checks that the expenditure is reasonable and the school does not have high levels of reserves from which it should be providing the funding itself.25 DfE also explained that it would talk to schools that wanted to be reimbursed for costs they had incurred for RAAC surveys. However, DfE implied that reimbursement might not be available for schools that had looked for RAAC as part of a broader structural survey.26 DfE emphasised that it wanted the process for schools to reclaim costs to be streamlined, but the process needed to include appropriate checks that claims were proportionate and properly related to the issue. At the same time, DfE said that it would err on the side of generosity, and expected to meet all reasonable costs.27
Government Response Summary
The government reiterates its policy of funding emergency capital works and approving all reasonable requests for revenue costs, such as temporary buildings or transport. It emphasizes streamlining processes, working closely with schools, and providing urgent payments when necessary, aligning with its commitment to meet reasonable costs with generosity.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
3.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Recommendation implemented 3.2 The department is funding emergency capital works needed to mitigate the presence of RAAC in schools and colleges in England. This could include installing structural strengthening or temporary buildings. All reasonable requests for additional help with revenue costs, like transport to locations or temporarily renting a local hall, are being approved. 3.3 Every school or college with confirmed RAAC has been assigned dedicated support from a team of caseworkers. They have worked with them to put in place a bespoke plan that supports face-to-face education for all pupils as soon as possible based on their circumstances and provide support to access funding. 3.4 The department is working closely with responsible bodies to process requests as quickly as possible and ensure processes are not burdensome, while providing proportionate levels of assurance. The department has kept its processes and guidance under review. The department can also arrange urgent payments where necessary, if for example, a responsible body has cash-flow challenges. 3.5 The government has committed to remove RAAC from the school and college estate for good. Schools and colleges have been offered capital grants to fund refurbishment work to permanently remove RAAC, or rebuilding projects where these are needed, including through the School Rebuilding Programme.