Question to the Department for Education:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what powers they have to make it mandatory for schools to respond to surveys regarding the presence and management of asbestos on their premises; and what plans they have to exercise those powers.

The responsibility for managing asbestos in a building rests with the ‘dutyholder’ and there may be multiple dutyholders. Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, a dutyholder includes persons that have maintenance and repair obligations in respect of non-domestic premises, control of any part of the premises, or means of access or egress.

Education legislation does not contain any express powers to make it mandatory for schools in England to respond to data collection surveys regarding the presence and management of asbestos on their premises. However, all state-funded schools and academies in England, and their respective responsible bodies, were expected to complete the Asbestos Management Assurance Process (AMAP) survey.

Although the AMAP is a voluntary survey, over 88% of schools have responded. The department is continuing to work with schools that have not yet responded, to encourage them to do so.