AQW 10181/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 16/04/2024
Answered On Date: 30/04/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education to detail (i) what steps he (a) has taken; and (b) will take to enable schools to plan multi-year projects; and (ii) any engagement he has had with the Minister of Finance in relation to confirming the ability to do so in relation to his Department's budget.

Answer:

My Department already has several multi-year programmes (Majors, FSA, SEPs) and indeed some larger minor works currently in planning.

Unfortunately with single year budgets, it is difficult to plan. As 2024-25 is the last year of the current Spending Review period, a multi-year budget has not been possible this time. I am advised that the Finance Minister has pressed both the Chief Secretary to the Treasury and the shadow Secretary of State on the need for a multi-year settlement. It goes without saying that I fully support her efforts in relation to this key issue.

As I have previously stated, it is my intention to continue to make the case for significant additional and sustained capital budget to invest right across the schools’ estate.

I have made the case for additional and sustained capital investment in our education infrastructure and I had a constructive bilateral meeting with the Department of Finance Minister on 21 March and will continue to engage at both Executive and with the DoF Minister as necessary.