Westmorland and Furness Council is continuing to deliver its most ambitious school maintenance programme to date the council claims, following a packed schedule of repairs and upgrades over the summer months.
The Council has committed £4.85 million in its 2026/27 budget to help ensure local schools provide the best possible learning environments for children and young people. School investment plays a major role in the delivery of the council's Strategic Asset Management Strategy.
This follows a significant increase in investment in recent years. The 2025/26 maintenance budget rose by £2.3 million compared to 2024/25, and the Council is maintaining that enhanced level of funding for a second consecutive year, with almost £5 million being invested annually in school buildings across Westmorland and Furness.
This sustained commitment represents the highest level of annual investment in school maintenance since the Council was formed, reflecting the importance placed on protecting public assets, providing high quality learning environments and ensuring school buildings remain safe, reliable and fit for the future.
Improvements have included fire safety upgrades, electrical rewiring, asbestos removal and structural repairs, alongside modernisation works such as triple-glazed windows, roofing improvements and enhanced drainage systems. These projects take a fabric first approach, prioritising investment in the core building elements that protect school assets, extend their lifespan and help avoid more costly repairs in the future.
The programme supports the Council's long term approach to estate management by investing in the right improvements at the right time. By addressing underlying maintenance needs and improving building performance, the Council is reducing future maintenance liabilities, minimising disruption for schools and ensuring the best possible value for public money over the lifetime of its buildings. Improvements to windows, roofs and heating efficiency also bring the added benefits of lower energy use and reduced carbon emissions.
Councillor Andrew Jarvis, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, said:
"This investment is about spending public money wisely and protecting important community assets for the long term. By investing in school buildings now, we can address essential maintenance needs, extend the life of our estate and avoid larger repair costs in the future.
"At the same time, we're creating warm, comfortable and reliable environments that support teaching and learning, ensuring children, young people and school staff have the facilities they need every day."
Councillor Janet Battye, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, Education and Skills, said:
"Children and young people deserve learning environments that are safe, welcoming and well maintained. These improvements are making a real difference in schools across Westmorland and Furness, helping to provide the high quality spaces that support education and wellbeing."
"This programme is not only improving school buildings today but is also helping to ensure they remain fit for purpose for future generations, delivering long term value for our communities and residents."
Projects have supported schools across Westmorland and Furness, with further condition surveys, maintenance projects and building improvement works planned for Council managed schools over the coming year.
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