Schools' Minister admits PM rejected calls for more school repairs
The concrete crisis surrounding Rishi Sunak has escalated with Schools' Minister Nick Gibb admitting that the Prime Minister had previously rejected pleas for additional funding to fix substandard school buildings. The Department for Education had requested financing from the Treasury to construct or refurbish 200 schools annually in 2021, but then-Chancellor Sunak dismissed the appeal and opted to stick with the original target of 50 rebuilds per year.
Government's record defended
Despite the admission that the Treasury had rejected requests for more funding, Nick Gibb defended the government's actions. He claimed that they were taking more proactive measures than any other government in the world to address the issue. Gibb stated that caseworkers were being sent to schools affected by substandard reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) to assist them in resolving the problem. He also emphasized that no child or staff member would be in a room with Raac. The government will publish a full list of schools impacted by the dangerous concrete before Friday.
Education Secretary under pressure
Education Secretary Gillian Keegan is facing criticism for her handling of the crisis. She was caught on camera using foul language to defend her actions and accuse others of inaction. Furthermore, it was revealed that she went on vacation in Spain during the height of the Raac crisis. Keegan's assertion that local authorities bear responsibility for school buildings has also drawn backlash from Town Hall chiefs, one of whom claimed to have been denied a meeting with the Education Secretary.
