Schools need £80m for major maintenance

There is a "significant" maintenance backlog at schools across North Yorkshire, according to the local authority.

Councillors will discuss the issue at a meeting on Tuesday after the government allocated £6.8m for repairs - almost £14m short of the council's "conservative" estimate of addressing the backlog.

A report published ahead of the meeting said a further £62.3m worth of maintenance costs had been identified within the next five years.

Annabel Wilkinson, North Yorkshire Council's executive member with responsibility for education, said they would "continue to make the strongest possible case for increased government funding so that we can tackle these challenges more comprehensively".

Wilkinson added: "While this proposed investment would help us address a number of priority maintenance and compliance issues, it is clear that the funding available falls far short of the overall needs of our school estate.

"With a maintenance backlog of more than £20 million and additional investment requirements identified over the coming years, there remains significant pressure on schools and local authorities."

As of April, the council was responsible for the maintenance of 175 schools in North Yorkshire.

The council's proposed programme for 2026/27includes £5.65m of essential maintenance work including roof, window and building system upgrades, £1.5m for urgent repairs, and funding for health and safety improvements, asbestos management, boosting accessibility, school kitchen improvements and surveys to help to keep buildings safe and compliant.

The money would also be used to support for plans to expand school-based nurseries, the council said, with a spokesperson confirming the government grant would pay for the work carried out.

Officers have recommended councillors approve the funding.

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