Crumbling Concrete Poses Threat to Hundreds of English Schools
Unpublished Data Reveals Risk from Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete
Hundreds of schools in England are at risk of collapse due to the presence of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac).
Recently released data, previously withheld by the Conservative government, shows that 235 Department for Education (DfE) sites, including schools, contain this hazardous material.
By August this year, Raac was found in 457 government buildings, affecting not only educational institutions but also hospitals, prisons, and other public facilities.
Experts warn that this could lead to prolonged use of temporary solutions like portable buildings, as past governments delayed funding for repairs.
Raac is considered 'life expired' by the Health and Safety Executive, posing a risk of collapsing without warning.
Its prevalence increased after the sudden closure of over 100 schools was announced last August.
Despite these closures, the previous government refused to commit to new funding or timelines for repairs before the election.
Proposed budgets by Rachel Reeves include increased funding for the existing school rebuilding programme, indicating that 518 schools and colleges will receive renewed infrastructure investment through 2025-26.
In addition to schools, Raac was found in 48 healthcare facilities under the Department of Health and Social Care, 77 sites within the Ministry of Defence, and 19 Ministry of Justice locations.
Transport sites are also affected, with 58 buildings showing Raac presence.
A Labour spokesperson criticized the former government's mishandling and lack of transparency regarding Raac, while the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) deemed the withholding of data as unjustified.
The historical neglect of Raac by various governments, particularly under Conservative leadership since 2010, has exacerbated the issue by cutting renovation budgets, underscoring the urgent need for government action to address this structural risk.
Recently released data, previously withheld by the Conservative government, shows that 235 Department for Education (DfE) sites, including schools, contain this hazardous material.
By August this year, Raac was found in 457 government buildings, affecting not only educational institutions but also hospitals, prisons, and other public facilities.
Experts warn that this could lead to prolonged use of temporary solutions like portable buildings, as past governments delayed funding for repairs.
Raac is considered 'life expired' by the Health and Safety Executive, posing a risk of collapsing without warning.
Its prevalence increased after the sudden closure of over 100 schools was announced last August.
Despite these closures, the previous government refused to commit to new funding or timelines for repairs before the election.
Proposed budgets by Rachel Reeves include increased funding for the existing school rebuilding programme, indicating that 518 schools and colleges will receive renewed infrastructure investment through 2025-26.
In addition to schools, Raac was found in 48 healthcare facilities under the Department of Health and Social Care, 77 sites within the Ministry of Defence, and 19 Ministry of Justice locations.
Transport sites are also affected, with 58 buildings showing Raac presence.
A Labour spokesperson criticized the former government's mishandling and lack of transparency regarding Raac, while the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) deemed the withholding of data as unjustified.
The historical neglect of Raac by various governments, particularly under Conservative leadership since 2010, has exacerbated the issue by cutting renovation budgets, underscoring the urgent need for government action to address this structural risk.
