Schools' Minister admits PM rejected funding for school construction
The concrete crisis surrounding Rishi Sunak intensified today as Schools' Minister Nick Gibb acknowledged that Prime Minister Boris Johnson had previously turned down requests to fix more substandard buildings. According to Gibb, the Department for Education had pleaded with the Treasury for funding to construct or refurbish 200 schools annually in 2021. However, the former Chancellor Sunak rejected the plea, choosing instead to stick with the previous target of 50 rebuilds per year.
Former civil servant accuses Sunak of cutting funding for crumbling classrooms
In addition to Gibb's statement, former top civil servant at the Department for Education, Jonathan Slater, alleged that Sunak had halved funding for school rebuilding. However, Johnson defended his record, calling the claims "utterly wrong". Despite admitting that the Treasury had rejected requests for additional funding, Gibb defended the government's actions, stating that they are taking more proactive measures than any other government in the world.
No child or staff member will be in a room with dangerous concrete, says Gibb
Gibb assured that no child or staff member would be placed in a room with substandard reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac). He stated that caseworkers would be sent to every school experiencing issues with Raac, whether it be in one room or throughout the entire school. Gibb pledged that a comprehensive list of affected schools would be published online before Friday.
Gillian Keegan under fire for handling of the crisis
Education Secretary Gillian Keegan is facing criticism for her handling of the concrete crisis. She was caught on camera using explicit language to defend her actions, claiming she had done a "f***ing good job" while others had "done nothing". Keegan also faced backlash for taking a holiday in Spain as the crisis unfolded. However, allies have stated that she participated in video calls during her time abroad.
Town hall chiefs blamed by Keegan, but they push back
Gibb pointed the finger at town hall chiefs as the target of Keegan's frustration. He stated that despite sending out questionnaires to local authorities, trusts, and dioceses since March 2020, a small percentage (5%) still had not responded. However, Local Government Association chair Shaun Davies disputed Keegan's claims and revealed that he had been denied a meeting with the Education Secretary.
