Thumbs up for £3m of schools repairs

By Elgan Hearn, Local Democracy Reporter

Over £3 million will be spent on repairs and refurbishing schools in Powys during the next financial year.

Powys County Council (PCC) leader, Cllr Rosemarie Harris, approved the decision on Friday using delegated powers after the March 24 cabinet meeting was cancelled.

Cllr Harris, said that the overall budget of £3,008,452 had been approved for the 2020/21 for the Schools Major Improvement Programme.

She said: “The Schools Service will allocate funding to projects as defined in the schools’ asset management plan 2018. Prioritisation will dictate how the funding is allocated.”

The report explained that major improvement programme focuses on improving the condition of school buildings, safeguarding, energy improvements, essential health and safety works and improving external areas to maintain education and curriculum delivery.

Portfolio holder for education, Cllr Phyl Davies, said: “The Major Improvements Programme represents a significant investment by the council to ensure that our schools and pre-school settings are safe and fit-for-purpose for our learners.

“As we start our education improvement journey, it is important that our programme is flexible and can be amended to reflect our education plans that emerge over the next 12 months.”