Conservatives scrapped building work planned by Labour in at least 19 schools with RAAC

New analysis from Labour shows that at least 19 schools confirmed to have reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) had building projects cancelled in 2010.

The schools had projects earmarked for completion under Labour’s Building Schools for the Future programme but were scrapped when the Conservatives axed the programme in 2010.

Labour’s analysis follows the publication of the full list of schools affected by RAAC, which Labour has been calling for, by the Department for Education.

Bridget Phillipson MP, Labour’s Shadow Education Secretary, said:

“The decisions taken by the Conservatives, including the Prime Minister, have led us to the chaos families are experiencing up and down this country today.

“Conservative Ministers, including the current Schools Minister, did away with Labour’s Building Schools for the Future programme which would have rebuilt every secondary school in this country.

“And as the Schools Minister has confirmed, Rishi Sunak halved the number of schools that were to be rebuilt, despite officials pleading with him to deal with many more dangerous buildings.

“The chickens have come home to roost. It is time for the Prime Minister and this shambolic Conservative government to take responsibility for the mess they have made and get a grip of this crisis.”

Bridget Phillipson MP, Labour’s Shadow Education Secretary, responding to the result of the House of Commons vote on the Humble Address, said: 

“The Conservatives have voted to cover up the truth about the Prime Minister’s failure to act on dangerous buildings and the true scale of this crisis.

“Time and again Conservative Ministers, including Rishi Sunak, have tried to pass the buck when it comes to who is responsible for the mess that schools and families find themselves in.

“Labour knows that children can’t get a first class education in a second class school, it’s incredible that the Tories don’t. The next Labour government will ensure schools are fit for purpose and children are safe.

The following schools identified with RAAC had planned projects cancelled by the Conservatives under the Building Schools for the Future programme:

• Aston Manor Academy – Birmingham
• Ferryhill School – County Durham
• Carmel College – Darlington
• The Ellen Wilkinson School for Girls – Ealing, London
• The Billericay School – Essex
• The Bromfords School – Essex
• The Appleton School – Essex
• The Gilberd School – Essex
• The Thomas Lord Audley School – Essex
• Thurstable School Sports College and Sixth Form Centre – Essex
• Wood Green Academy – Sandwell, West Midlands
• London Oratory School – Hammersmith and Fulham, London
• Holy Family Catholic School- Bradford
• Bishop Douglas – Barnet
• Batley Girls – Kirklees
• St Andrews – Derby
• Hornsey School – Haringey, London
• Park View Academy – Haringey, London

Sources: List_of_education_settings_with_confirmed_RAAC_as_of_30_August_2023.ods (live.com)

• At least 13 schools now confirmed to have reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) had building projects cancelled in 2010, the BBC has found