Ten-year schools rebuilding programme to be unveiled

THE PRIME Minister will attempt to kick-start the economy after Covid-19 with a decade-long schools rebuilding plan, with a focus on the North and the Midlands.

Boris Johnson is expected to announce a spending blitz during a speech tomorrow as he lays the groundwork for the UK to spend its way out of the coronavirus downturn by undertaking a vast building programme.

Part of the plans will include a 10-year undertaking to improve school facilities.

A £1bn cash injection will see construction work start on the first 50 projects as soon as September 2021, Downing Street said.

Another £560m will go towards school repairs in this financial year, while further education colleges will see £200m of the £1.5 billion promised by Chancellor Rishi Sunak in the Spring Budget to transform college estates over the next five years, fast tracked so work can be brought forward.

Mr Johnson, speaking before a school visit planned for today, said: “This major new investment will make sure our schools and colleges are fit for the future, with better facilities and brand new buildings so that every child gets a world-class education.”

Details of the programme, along with eligibility for funding, will be laid out in full at the next Spending Review, according to Number 10.

Investment will be targeted at school buildings in the worst condition including “substantial investment” in the North and the Midlands.

But Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said Mr Johnson would have to ensure his building programme reversed a “lost decade” of stagnant investment.

In some areas, including Yorkshire, East Midlands and the South West, investment per person is still less than half that seen in London, said Labour.