RAAC: Lib Dems win vote forcing govt to publish register of crumbling schools and hospitals

EMBARGO: Immediate Release

The Liberal Democrats have won a vote in the House of Lords this evening on an amendment forcing the Government to publish a register of schools and hospitals in serious disrepair, including those impacted by the RAAC scandal.

The amendment to the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill was tabled by the Liberal Democrats and won this evening with a majority of 35. It would force the government to publish a full public register of schools and hospitals that have had to close buildings because they are deemed unsafe, including those with reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC). The list would also include buildings closed due to disrepair and those in need of major rebuilding and refurbishment.

The list would have to be published within a month of the Bill passing, and would then be reviewed every three months to ensure it contains up-to-date information. The amendment will now return to the Commons in the coming weeks.

Following the vote, Liberal Democrat Lords Spokesperson for Communities and Local Government Baroness Pinnock said: 

“This Liberal Democrat amendment is a fantastic win for all the children and patients who have been denied money by the Conservatives to stop hospitals and schools falling into disrepair. 

“This new amendment should help people feel that they are safe in public buildings. It is appalling that this information is not already compiled by the Government. The Liberal Democrats are fighting to make sure the Government is accountable for this crisis.”

ENDS

Notes to Editor

Text of the full amendment: 

After Clause 214

Insert the following new Clause—

“Regeneration of schools and hospitals: register of serious disrepair

(1) Within one month of the day on which this Act is passed the Secretary of State must establish a register of schools and hospitals in England in serious disrepair.

(2) The register must comprise of a list of—

(a) schools that have been partially or fully closed on a temporary or permanent basis because one or more school building was deemed unsafe for staff or pupils,

(b) schools that have classrooms or buildings on site that are closed due to disrepair and details of those classrooms or buildings,

(c) schools that require major rebuilding or refurbishment,

(d) hospitals that have been partially or fully closed on a temporary or permanent basis because one or more hospital building was deemed unsafe for staff or pupils,

(e) hospitals that have rooms, wards or buildings on site that are closed due to disrepair and details of those rooms, wards or buildings, and

(f) hospitals that require major rebuilding or refurbishment.

(3) The register must be reviewed every three months to ensure it contains up-to-date information.”

Member's explanatory statement

This amendment would require the Government to keep a register of schools and hospitals in serious disrepair, and ensure the register is regularly updated.

The amendment was tabled on 5th July 2023.