Council-run schools face £40m repairs backlog

Schools in Kirklees risk closure if urgent works aren't carried out, the council said

Council-run schools in part of West Yorkshire have a £40m backlog of repairs, it has been revealed.

Fire safety improvements, electrical rewiring and roof repairs are among the works that have been identified as necessary at schools in Kirklees.

Kirklees Council is expected to agree funding of £4.1m for the most urgent projects at a meeting on 9 April.

A report by the authority said some schools could be forced to close if the work was not carried out.

Primary, secondary and nursery schools run by the council are among those affected.

Schools in line for imminent improvements have been identified based on priority, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

The council report said that the "current" backlog of maintenance work in schools, which it said needs to be completed over the next five years, "is around £40m".

The works also include upgrades to boilers, heating and LED lighting systems, as well as improvements to access for children with additional needs.

The projects will be completed within the school holiday periods to avoid disruption to children, families and staff.

The majority of the funding comes from the Department for Education’s Schools Condition Capital Grant.

David Shepherd, the council's strategic director for growth and regeneration, said: "The health and safety for pupils and staff, alongside providing quality learning environments, is a key priority.

"These works are part of an essential school maintenance programme that the council carries out each year to ensure that Kirklees schools remain safe, dry, warm, and secure, ensuring positive outcomes for children both now and in the future."

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