As Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate and Traded Services, I agree to:
a) note the current position in respect of Reinforced Autoclave Aerated Concrete (RAAC) and the emergency closure of four schools across the County.
b) note the emergency measures that have been taken to minimise disruption to education whilst works are undertaken to enable the schools to reoccupy school accommodation as soon as possible at the start of the new academic year.
c) approve the required expenditure to deliver the relevant works at any identified schools with a positive RAAC confirmation that requires immediate action and cover necessary temporary measures, including authorising the draw down on reserves to fund the emergency response and strengthening works that are required at identified schools, should forward funding from existing underspends and rephasing be insufficient. Funding for this is capped at £2.5M, pending further decision-making in the event of escalating costs.
d) note that the capital costs will be reimbursed by the Department for Education (DfE) regardless of school type in relation to the schools where action has already been taken with ongoing discussions continuing with the DfE to recover all costs and any further action which may be required in respect of any new schools where immediate action is required; and
e) authorise the Director of Infrastructure in consultation with the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate and Democratic Services to finalise and enter into the necessary contracts, funding and legal agreements and take other actions as necessary to implement this decision.