Coronavirus has changed everything. Make sense of it all with the Waugh Zone, our evening politics briefing. Sign up now.
Schools in
England are set to benefit from a ten-year multi-billion pound rebuilding programme under plans announced by
Boris Johnson.
The prime minister will launch the first major rebuilding programme since 2014 with £1bn-worth of investment in 50 projects this year.
Further details of the decade-long construction programme will be set out at the net spending review, with investment targeted at buildings in the worst condition.
Downing Street also pledged “substantial” investment in the north and Midlands as part of Johnson’s “levelling up” agenda.
The plans form part of Johnson’s so-called “Project Speed”.
In a major speech on Tuesday, he will set out plans for a wave of infrastructure investment across the country in a bid to kickstart a recovery from the deep recession that is expected to be triggered by the
Coronavirus pandemic.
The PM said: “All children deserve the best possible start in life – regardless of their background or where they live.
“As we bounce back from the pandemic, it’s important we lay the foundations for a country where everyone has the opportunity to succeed, with our younger generations front and centre of this mission.
“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.”The first 50 projects will be confirmed in autumn with construction beginning in September 2021.
There will also be £560m extra for repairs and upgrades to schools this year, and £200m for similar work at further education colleges.
The fast-tracked schools rebuilding programme will support Johnson’s plans to protect jobs and incomes.
The projects will also be greener as part of efforts to meet the government’s target to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050, and focus on modern construction methods to create high-skilled jobs and boost the building sector.
Later this year, the government will also launch a competition for more funding to ensure all of England is covered by Institutes of Technology to give more young people the chance to gain higher technical skills.Related... Leicester Facing UK's First Local Lockdown After Coronavirus Surge, Priti Patel Confirms
UK Could Face 'Very Nasty Rebound' Of Coronavirus In Autumn Or Winter, Scientific Adviser Warns DHSC: UK Records 36 More Coronavirus Deaths In 24 Hours, Bringing Total To 43,550