We have been warning of risk from RAAC in schools “since 2018”, say councils

The Local Government Association (LGA) has said it has been warning of the risk posed by reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) "since 2018”, after the Government announced that school buildings with the material should close immediately until safety work is undertaken.

More than 100 schools in England have been told they must close some buildings over concerns of sudden collapse.

RAAC is a lightweight form of concrete which was used in schools, colleges and other building construction from the 1950s until the mid-1990s, according to a government website.

The LGA has called on the Government to “urgently establish a taskforce”, including with the Association and councils to ensure the safety of both pupils and staff in the long term.

Cllr Kevin Bentley, Senior Vice-Chairman of the Local Government Association, said: “Leaving this announcement until near the end of the summer holidays, rather than at the beginning, has left schools and councils with very little time to make urgent rearrangements and minimise disruption to classroom learning.

“Councils will be supporting schools in their areas who have had to close affected buildings, including by providing alternative spaces. The Government should also provide councils with the necessary funding and technical expertise to repair or replace those buildings with RAAC.”

He continued: “The Government also needs to provide councils with financial support where they are supporting other schools, such as academies and faith schools, which have had to close buildings due to the presence of RAAC.

“This includes our call for a single, local funding pot to replace the existing fragmented system for school capital projects and for this to sit with councils, who should have the power to determine how and where this is best spent in their local areas.”

The General Secretary of the National Education Union, Daniel Kebede, has described the situation as “absolutely disgraceful”, suggesting that “to add insult to injury the Government states in its guidance that it will not be covering the costs of emergency temporary accommodation or additional transport”.

Education minister Nick Gibb has confirmed the Government will publish a list of the schools affected by RAAC, but only once parents have heard directly from their schools.

Education Secretary, Gillian Keegan, said: “Nothing is more important than making sure children and staff are safe in schools and colleges, which is why we are acting on new evidence about RAAC now, ahead of the start of term.

“We must take a cautious approach because that is the right thing to do for both pupils and staff.

“The plan we have set out will minimise the impact on pupil learning and provide schools with the right funding and support they need to put mitigations in place to deal with RAAC.”

See also: Schools and concrete safety - The Government has launched an inquiry into the use of historic building material RAAC in schools. Colin Jones looks at the key considerations for educational institutions.