Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 20
20
Accepted
DfE previously agreed to urgently chase non-responsive schools on asbestos survey
Conclusion
In March 2022, we noted that we had previously found DfE did not have a complete picture of asbestos in school buildings, or enough information to ensure that the risks were being properly managed. We concluded that DfE appeared unconcerned that the 7% of schools who were yet to respond to its asbestos survey launched in March 2018 could be the worst affected schools without the budget to resolve their asbestos-related problems.35 We recommended that DfE should urgently chase these schools, and DfE subsequently agreed with the recommendation.36
Government Response Summary
The government accepts the recommendation, stating the AMAP survey is now part of the Condition Data Collection 2 (CDC2) programme. As of January 2024, 631 non-responding schools have been visited, and the full dataset for all schools will be available by the target implementation date of December 2026.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
5.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: December 2026 5.2 The department takes the safety of children and those who work with them incredibly seriously – which is why it expects all local authorities, governing bodies and academy trusts to have robust plans in place to manage asbestos in school buildings effectively, in line with their legal duties. 5.3 Asbestos management in schools and other buildings is regulated by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The Health and Safety Executive advises that, as long as asbestos-containing materials are in good condition, well protected, and unlikely to be damaged or disturbed, it is usually safer to manage them in place. 5.4 The department has published guidance on effective management of asbestos in schools. The department previously run an Asbestos Management Assurance Process (AMAP) - a survey launched in March 2018 to understand the steps schools and those responsible for their estate were taking to manage asbestos. The AMAP survey has now been incorporated into the Condition Data Collection 2 (CDC2) programme, which will collect data on every state funded school in England. CDC2 is in train and as of the end of January 2024, 631 (42.3%) of non-responders to AMAP had been visited, reducing the number of non-responders from 1,491 (6.7%) to 860 (3.9%). The full dataset will be available by 2026. 5.5 The department has, and continues to, share any concerning data on schools with HSE which is responsible for setting the policy and regulations for schools on asbestos management and compliance – and which undertakes its own investigations of schools, and issues warnings notices or stronger sanctions, where necessary. 5.6 The department also, in collaboration with HSE and Regional teams, continues to follow up with AMAP non-responders and any concerning practice through CDC2. CDC2 is expected to be completed in 2026 when a final set of asbestos data and conclusions will be available.