Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department is taking to (a) identify, (b) inspect and (c) remove reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete from school and college buildings.

The Department is working with responsible bodies to identify and manage reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) across the school and college estate. The Department has asked all school and college leaders and Local Authorities to contact the Department if they have concerns about RAAC in their school and college buildings so appropriate action can be taken.

The Department sent a questionnaire to all responsible bodies asking them for information about RAAC in their premises. The Department published updated guidance on identifying, assessing and managing RAAC in December 2022, which can be accessed here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/reinforced-autoclaved-aerated-concrete-estates-guidance. The Department has appointed three leading structural surveying firms to investigate all cases of suspected RAAC and, where RAAC is confirmed, provides appropriate support through existing departmental programmes.

Well maintained, safe school and college buildings are a priority for the Department. Over £13 billion has been allocated since 2015 for keeping schools and sixth form colleges safe and operational, including £1.8 billion committed this financial year, which is informed by consistent data on the school estate. The School Rebuilding Programme will transform buildings at 500 schools over the next decade, prioritising schools in poor condition and with potential safety issues. The Department is allocating funding worth £1.5 billion in further education via the Further Education (FE) Capital Transformation Programme to deliver the Government's commitment to upgrade the condition of the FE college estate.