Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment his Department has made of the effect on school finances of the fees being charged by PwC in its capacity as the liquidator of Carillion; and if he will make a statement.

The Government’s priority has been to ensure schools can continue to operate as usual. To date, all schools have remained open and no significant issues have been reported. Schools affected already have robust contingency plans, and for many this may include transferring services in-house, or re-procuring with alternative providers. For schools that continue to receive services through the Official Receiver/Special Manager, any additional fees are yet to be finalised. The Department is working closely with the Cabinet Office, the Official Receiver and the Special Manager to ensure schools using the services provided through this arrangement are kept informed.

Schools receive funding to pay for catering and facilities management services like the ones provided by Carillion. The Department expect them to continue to use this funding to pay for replacement services, but if any schools or trusts are concerned about their ability to manage these costs, they should contact the Department.