Welsh government to cover schools' RAAC repairs

The Welsh government said they will pay for all RAAC repairs in schools across the country. 

Jeremy Miles, education minister, has announced new capital funding of around £12.5 million to improve school and college buildings throughout Wales.

He said the funding will "enable local authorities and colleges to carry out maintenance work to ensure the Welsh education estate is safe and efficient."

It is planned to cover the costs of restorative works to all schools where reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) has been identified.

Further funding will be available for large scale capital maintenance work focused on energy efficiency measures. This includes replacing roofs, windows, heating and ventilation works and electrical systems.

Only five schools have been identified as being affected by RAAC, compared to more than 230 in England and 39 in Scotland. 

Ynys Môn Leader, Councillor Llinos Medi said: "it is important these [remedial works] are carried out as quickly as possible to ensure all areas within the school buildings are safe to use."

She added that the funding from the Welsh government will allow local authorities and schools to "meet other associated RAAC costs, without having to use our own scarce reserve funding."