Funding for asbestos works

Information on school capital funding, which can include removing or encapsulating asbestos.

Capital funding is allocated to maintain and improve the condition of school buildings, including removing or encapsulating asbestos, where appropriate. Information is available on capital funding. In addition, through the Priority School Building Programme, we are rebuilding or refurbishing buildings in the worst condition at over 500 schools across the country. Asbestos was a factor in prioritising buildings for the programme.

Typically, asbestos works are undertaken in conjunction with other condition related works, or will require significant associated works. For example, removal of an asbestos ceiling will generally require replacement of the lighting and potentially other electrical, fire alarm, IT and CCTV work.

Capital funding for further education colleges has been devolved to Local Education Partnerships via the Local Growth Fund since April 2015 and will amount to over £1 billion over the period 2015 to 2016 to 2020 to 2021. An additional £200 million was provided to all further education colleges in 2020 to 2021 to improve the condition of the estate. As independent corporations, colleges are expected to budget for managing asbestos within their premises.

In implementing capital works to existing premises, colleges are expected to undertake any asbestos remediation works needed to deliver the project. Colleges should therefore ensure that appropriate asbestos surveys are undertaken to identify costs of addressing asbestos remediation and budget for this within overall project costs and funding bids, where applicable.