New UK Budget Funding:

New UK Budget Funding: A Vital Opportunity for Schools and Hospitals Refurbishment and Safety

By Darren Evans, Technical Director AEC

The recent UK budget announcement has generated excitement in the education sector by allocating significant funds for school refurbishment and building works.  The figures published are £1.4billion for the school rebuilding programme, and also a £2billion investment into schools’ maintenance.  

This financial boost is poised to address longstanding issues related to aging infrastructure and inadequate facilities in schools.  Which one would think includes asbestos.  But does it?  There is no specific allocation or mention of asbestos in this budget.  The Department for Education allocates funds based upon a ‘condition data collection’ survey.   This does ask if there is asbestos in the school, in that they ask about compliance with Regulations 4, so is there a survey, and an asbestos management plan (AMP).  But the document explicitly states that there will be no review of the content of the AMP. Therefore, this document does not take into account the condition of the asbestos, nor the asbestos products, and therefore there is no allocation of funding based upon risk. 

This is in a sector where asbestos related deaths are increasing.  Where once the ONS considered education to be a ‘low risk’ occupation, this has now changed, with a fivefold increase in asbestos-related deaths in this sector between 2011 and 2021.  In addition ONS figures by sector do not include the over 75s, and only consider the last job.  Furthermore, it is only teaching professions rather than school administrators or maintenance staff.  Therefore, some studies put teachers at an increased risk factor of up to 4 times that of other professions, and comparing the ONS annual death rate for teachers of 23 compared to claims made to the Department for Work and Pensions at 70 deaths per annum.    One thing we do know:  Teachers, like nurses in the NHS which has similar figures, did not install asbestos in a previous life, nor did  they work on it.  They are exposed at work, in schools, which contain deteriorating asbestos materials. 

Therefore, as schools plan their refurbishment projects, it’s crucial they prioritise safety measures, particularly through comprehensive asbestos surveys.  If a school contains asbestos, any maintenance or refurbishment project must include asbestos in the plans.

Further to this, the Government discussed ‘fixing the NHS’. A huge undertaking!   This included ‘with over £1billion to tackle dangerous reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) and make inroads into the existing backlog of critical maintenance, repairs and upgrades across the NHS estate – protecting staff and patients and boosting NHS productivity.’ When one considers that the estimated NHS maintenance backlog is £11billion, this figure is unlikely to make a real dent in the problem. 

The government’s commitment to investing billions in school infrastructure is a much-needed response to years of underfunding. Many schools face urgent challenges, including crumbling buildings and outdated facilities that hinder the learning experience. With this new funding, some schools will be able to tackle immediate repairs and undertake significant refurbishment projects, ensuring students learn in safe and supportive environments.

1. Immediate repairs and upgrades: The funding enables schools to conduct essential repairs, such as fixing leaks, updating heating systems, and modernising classrooms. These improvements are vital for creating conducive learning environments that foster student engagement and achievement.
2. Modern learning facilities: Schools can also use the funds to build new facilities or upgrade existing ones, including science labs, libraries, and tech centres. These resources are critical for providing students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for the future.
3. Sustainability initiatives: The budget also encourages schools to adopt sustainable building practices, such as installing energy-efficient systems. This not only helps the environment but also reduces long-term operational costs.

While the new funding opens the door to much-needed renovations, schools must also prioritise safety during these projects.  All of the above works require planning, and part of this planning must consider asbestos.   A key aspect of ensuring a safe environment is conducting thorough asbestos surveys.

1. Understanding asbestos risks: The majority of schools built before the 2000s contain asbestos. Asbestos can lead to severe respiratory diseases and other long-term health issues, making it imperative for schools to assess their buildings.
2. Legal and safety compliance: Conducting an asbestos survey is not just a best practice; it’s a legal requirement, and this is part of the school’s asbestos management plan.   Schools must comply with Regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.  The HSE over the past 18 months has conducted a survey into management of asbestos in schools.  The HSE have inspected in excess of 500 schools in Great Britian (approximately 2% of the total).  This has resulted in approximately 40 improvement notices and 2 prohibition notices.  Indicating that just under 10% of those visited were not complying with Regulation 4. 
3. Planning for safe refurbishments: Prior to any refurbishments, Regulation 5 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 requires that a risk assessment be carried out before any work in demolition, maintenance or other work liable to disturb asbestos is carried out.  This typically means that a refurbishment a demolition survey be carried out prior to any major works.  By conducting an asbestos survey, schools can create a detailed plan for managing any identified asbestos risks. This allows contractors to implement safe work practices, and remove asbestos prior to other works, thus minimising the risk of exposure for students and staff during refurbishment activities.
4. Building community confidence: Prioritising safety through proper asbestos management helps build trust within the community. Parents and staff can feel reassured that the school is committed to maintaining a safe environment for everyone.

Conclusion

The new budget funding announcement in the UK represents a transformative opportunity for schools to enhance their infrastructure and provide better learning environments for students.   This is of course extremely welcome!  

It was noticeable that during the budget speech the chancellor addressed recent tragedies such as the infected blood and the post office scandals, and funding for the victims.  This follows closely on the heels of the Grenfell inquiry.  However, it is disappointing that asbestos victims are seldom mentioned, and that asbestos was not a key part of the funding for schools (and hospitals).

However, as schools embark on these important projects, they must prioritise safety by conducting thorough asbestos surveys, or at the very least including asbestos and review of asbestos management plans as part of all work.   By ensuring that all refurbishment and building works are carried out safely, schools can protect the health of their students and staff while making necessary improvements. This holistic approach will not only lead to better educational outcomes but also foster a culture of safety and responsibility within the school community.