Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer to ensure that schools have the resources to adjust to planned stage lighting regulations arising from the EU Ecodesign Directive.

My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State has not specifically discussed the proposed EU Ecodesign Directive with my right hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Officials from the Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy have discussed the issue with the EU as part of its consultation process and have subsequently made representations to the European Commission (EC). Industry representatives have also engaged with the EC and submitted a proposed exemption for their consideration. Since then, the EC has shared the most recent draft of the regulation which includes a technical exemption for stage lighting.

A final decision on the draft regulation is likely to be made towards the end of this year and is not expected to come into force until September 2020. The Government will continue to engage with industry, other Member States and the EC in the meantime. The Department will keep this under review to assess whether there will be any impact on schools in England and if any advice or further action is required.

Schools, and those responsible for maintaining school buildings, receive annual capital funding to invest in their buildings, including complying with relevant legislation. The Department already specifies energy efficient LED lighting for theatre lighting installations in new school buildings that are funded through its central capital programmes.