Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if her Department will make an estimate of the number of (a) universities and (b) higher education buildings where reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete is present.

The higher education (HE) sector is independent from government and it is therefore for individual providers to determine and address any estate issues.

The Institution of Structural Engineers has published guidance that HE institutions can refer to on investigating and assessing reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC).

Departmental officials engaged with Universities UK and HE mission groups during 2023, to direct HE providers to RAAC guidance from the Institution of Structural Engineers and to departmental RAAC guidance for state-funded education buildings.