A growing crisis is engulfing Downing Street as allegations surface about Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s role in cutting funding for school repairs and Education Secretary Gillian Keegan’s controversial comments. As students return to schools in England, concerns are mounting about the state of school buildings and the government’s response.
Former officials from the Department for Education (DfE) revealed that a request to fund repairs for 300 to 400 schools with crumbling concrete panels was significantly reduced by Sunak’s Treasury in 2020 and 2021. This reduction happened despite evidence presented by the DfE that the deteriorating reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) posed a “critical risk to life.”
The situation worsened when Keegan was caught on camera criticizing colleagues for inaction on school repairs. She later apologized for her comments after facing criticism from Downing Street. These incidents have raised questions about the government’s handling of the crisis.
Critics argue that Sunak’s decision to cut funding for school repairs mirrors his earlier reduction in the budget for education catch-up after the COVID-19 pandemic. This has led to concerns about whether education is perceived as a cost rather than an investment by the Treasury.
The Institute for Fiscal Studies revealed a decline in spending on school buildings in recent years, with capital spending down by around a quarter in real terms since the mid-2000s and 50% below the 2010 peak. Downing Street maintains that only a fraction of schools is affected by crumbling concrete panels, but specifics on affected schools and other public buildings at risk remain elusive.
This crisis not only raises questions about educational logistics but also challenges the government’s competence. The lack of transparency and information about affected schools and public buildings has fueled frustration among parents, educators, and policymakers.
As the crisis deepens, it becomes increasingly important for the government to address funding issues, prioritize student safety, and rebuild public trust in its ability to manage critical infrastructure concerns. The education of students and the integrity of public buildings are at stake, making it imperative to find swift and effective solutions.
