The Government has announced this afternoon that 104 more schools, where Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) is currently confirmed to be present, will be asked to vacate some or part of their buildings. RAAC has been monitored in schools since 2018 and there has been a recent change to technical guidelines which has resulted in today's new announcement.
Basingstoke's Local MP Maria Miller said,
" Cranbourne in Basingstoke has already been identified as having Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in the Performance Department building and plans for remedial works are already in hand to ensure the building is safe to use, funded by the Government. Two further schools, Queen Mary College and St Anne's Catholic Primary School, have also reported to the Department for Education, as it is suspected that there may be RAAC in some parts of the school buildings. In cases where schools have reported they suspect RAAC is present, a surveyor will attend in the coming days to undertake a technical inspection. It has been assessed that these schools should remain open as usual in the meantime. If works are required, rather than leaving the costs to be covered by the Local Authority, Church or Academy Trust, the Government is fully funding all remedial works and practical support if necessary such as re-accommodation. This is a concerning situation for the schools affected and at all times children's safety will come first.
"Our Hospital also has RAAC as part of its construction; one of many reasons the new Hospital needs to be built. HHFT has put props and other measures in place to ensure the affected areas remain stable."