Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Condition Improvement Fund

Monday 23 May 2022 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Applications to the condition improvement fund are assessed based on condition needs, project plan quality and value for money.
  • Local authorities in County Durham received 6.6 million for 2022-23 to improve school buildings.
  • Investment of 1.8 billion was made in 2022 for school building improvements.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Richard Holden Con Basildon and Billericay
Education
Context

The MP is inquiring about the allocation of funds from the condition improvement fund to schools, particularly focusing on specific needs in County Durham.

Question

What recent steps his Department has taken to ensure that condition improvement fund allocations reflect the needs of schools and pupils. Leadgate Primary School and Consett Junior School in my constituency hit some of the core criteria outlined in the plan, but Villa Real special school does not meet traditional criteria despite serious structural issues and a need for expanded provision.

Answer from Robin Walker

Applications to the condition improvement fund are assessed based on condition needs, project plan quality and value for money. Durham County Council received £6.6 million for 2022-23 to improve school buildings as a local authority-maintained school receives this allocation instead of applying directly.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific reassurance about Villa Real special school not provided, only general information on allocations

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Q2 Richard Holden Con Basildon and Billericay
Education
Context

The MP is concerned about specific criteria for the condition improvement fund affecting Villa Real special school, despite its need for expansion and structural repairs.

Question

Villa Real special school in my constituency does not meet normal criteria due to age but has serious structural issues and a significant need for expanded provision. Can the Minister assure me that this school will receive proper consideration?

Answer from Robin Walker

Local authorities in County Durham received £6.6 million for 2022-23 to improve school buildings, and there is an investment of £1.4 billion from 2022-23 to 2023-24 specifically for high needs provision, with Durham receiving £11.2 million.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific reassurance about Villa Real special school not provided, only general information on allocations

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Q3 Stephen Morgan Lab Portsmouth South
Education
Context

The MP is concerned about the deteriorating condition of school buildings across England, citing Government surveys indicating urgent repairs are needed at one in six schools.

Question

Schools estate is crumbling after 12 years of Tory negligence. In 2019, a survey revealed one in six schools required urgent repairs and some sites present a risk to life. Millions of children are learning in unfit buildings. Can the Minister secure funding from the Chancellor? Is he confident every school building in England is safe?

Answer from Robin Walker

We have invested more than £13 billion since 2015 to improve school buildings, including £1.8 billion this year. A new school rebuilding programme will transform 500 schools over a decade, prioritising severe need and safety issues.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific funding from Chancellor not addressed, only overall investment figures given

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