HL Deb 23 June 1997 vol 580 c146WA
Lord Lucas

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they consider that the current level of capital funding is sufficient both to fund new building and to bring the buildings of all schools, colleges and universities into a good state of repair within three years; and, if not, how much more money is required, and whether it will be provided.

Baroness Blackstone

Local authorities estimate that about £3 billion needs to be spent in addition to present funding to bring current school buildings up to standard. The Further Education Funding Council has reported that a total of £338 million has been spent by the council and colleges to resolve colleges' most pressing capital needs following the 1993 Hunter Survey. The apportionment of funds to support future capital expenditure is a matter for the FEFC: the council currently has a capital programme of £30 million a year. The Higher Education Funding Council for England plans to provide £30 million a year for three years from 1998–99 for special initiatives to improve poor estates. The Government will consider very carefully any recommendations on capital funding by the National Committee of Inquiry into Higher Education, which is expected to report next month.

The development of public/private partnerships is also making an important contribution to improving school, college and university buildings.