Written question WQ100680
- Asked by
- Shav TajLabour
- To be answered by
- Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 8 days
Question
What consideration has the Welsh Government given to establishing a dedicated capital fund for local authorities to support the higher repair and maintenance costs of heritage and listed school buildings, including Roath Park Primary School and Albany Primary School?
Answer
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language (Anna Brychan)
Local and diocesan authorities are responsible for managing school maintenance and assessing building conditions in line with good estate management. They are also best placed to prioritise repair and maintenance for their school estate.
Addressing the condition of school buildings in Wales is a priority for the Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme. While the Welsh Government recognises that heritage and listed buildings can present additional repair and maintenance challenges, support is currently provided through a range of capital and revenue funding streams rather than through a dedicated fund.
To date, nearly £500m has been invested (£380m capital and £114m revenue) through the Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme’s Capital Repairs and Maintenance funding with a further £24m allocated to schools at the start of 2026–27.
In addition, the Cabinet Minister for Education and Welsh Language approved a further £40m of Capital Maintenance Funding for schools this financial year. Cardiff Council has been allocated £7.1m from this maintenance funding to support the upkeep of school buildings, ensuring they remain safe, secure and fit for learners and staff.
Local authorities receive unhypothecated capital funding to support capital maintenance and improvement projects. In 2026-27, the total allocation is £115.2m, including £12m for Cardiff. Local authorities can also access supported borrowing, with £88.8m available in 2026-27, including £9.2m for Cardiff.