The UK Education Secretary, Gillian Keegan, is facing backlash over the £34 million renovation of her office while schools across the country deal with unsafe concrete. The revamp includes the removal of the 1990s interior on four floors of the department's Westminster headquarters.
Outrage Over Priorities
Shadow schools minister, Stephen Morgan, criticized Ms. Keegan for prioritizing her office renovation over addressing the issue of unsafe concrete in schools. The £34 million makeover was approved by Ms. Keegan in April, at a time when schools were inspecting their buildings for potentially hazardous reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete.
A Focus on Accessibility
Construction company Willmott Dixon, responsible for the renovation, stated that the project aimed to cater to various needs, including sensory, cognitive, physical, and developmental needs. The renovation will also include improved lighting and a muted color palette. Additional features such as a quiet room and a modernized kitchen will be added.
Delayed Action
Documents indicate that the contract for the renovation was awarded under Ms. Keegan's predecessor in the previous year. However, Ms. Keegan signed off on the plans in April, a time when schools were grappling with the issue of unsafe concrete in their buildings.
Labour Party's Criticism
Shadow schools minister, Stephen Morgan, expressed his dissatisfaction with the Education Secretary's decision, stating that rather than focusing on the safety of children in schools, she chose to make her own office more luxurious. He called on Ms. Keegan to address what she and her colleagues knew about the dangers of the concrete and to provide a plan to prevent further disruptions to children's education.
Official Response
The Department for Education defended the renovation project, stating that it was initiated in 2019. They added that it would ultimately reduce annual maintenance costs and enable officials to work more efficiently.
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