Report highlights BSF programme running “considerably behind schedule”

The government’s Building Schools for the Future programme is running “considerably behind schedule” according to a new report from AMA Research.

The organisation says that just 78 new schools have been built and opened. This is 22 less schools than the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) had scheduled for completion by the end of 2008.

At this rate AMA say that to renew all 3500 schools by 2023 will require 250 schools to be rebuilt or refurbished a year from 2011 onwards, which is a 50% increase on the number of schools currently being delivered under the BSF programme.

The report claims that 90 schools are currently under construction and 1200 schools are “in the procurement pipeline”

Looking to the future the report warns that cuts in government financing following the bail-out of the banks may start to reduce the number of schemes completed after 2011. The Treasury has said that it is still committed to the 1.2% increase in spending promised in the Pre-budget Report. However, the Conservatives say they would reduce public spending from 2010 to avoid tax rises if they win the next general election.

AMA Research’s report “Building Schools for the Future– UK 2009 - 2023” is available for £625 and can be ordered online at www.amaresearch.co.uk