Ten trade associations representing different parts of the roofing and cladding industry have written to the Secretary of State for Education, Rt Hon Gavin Williamson, urging him to announce the outcome of applications to the 2020/21 Condition Improvement Fund, worth more than £400 million, ‘as a matter of urgency’.
The fund, which is used by thousands of schools, colleges and academies each year to pay for essential repair and maintenance work, was expected to be announced in April but was delayed due to the impact of COVID-19. Schools are still waiting to hear the outcome of their applications.
The maintenance of school buildings provides an essential area of work for roofing contractors, as well as the manufacturers who supply the materials. The delayed announcement has created unnecessary uncertainty about future workloads. The roofing industry is, therefore, calling on the Secretary of State to announce the funding now, to provide enough time to set up for the start of the summer holidays and give a ‘quick and easy’ way to stimulate demand in the construction industry, as we come out of lockdown.
The group claims that if the Secretary of State made the announcement now, he could help save many firms and jobs in the sector.
Commenting on the joint letter, James Talman, chief executive of the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC), said: “The government is looking for ‘shovel ready’ projects to help boost the construction industry, but they are missing a trick right under their nose – the delayed Condition Improvement Fund. This would provide a government stimulus of over £400 million on thousands of school, college and academy repair and maintenance projects, yet, we are still waiting to hear who has been successful, months later.”
He added: “At this time of year, roofing contractors would usually be preparing to work on schools and colleges over the summer holidays, but this year they have been left high and dry due to the delayed announcement. This couldn’t have come at a worse time, with construction industry output plummeting by 40% during lockdown, and many roofers now wondering where their next job will come from. This decision impacts not only contractors but also on the wider supply chain, with many manufacturers uncertain of how much demand there will be later this year. In times of downturn, public sector investment should be a priority, not delayed.”
James concluded: “We are not asking for extra funding or even fast-tracking of funding, but simply for the announcement to be made, so our industry can get to work. We urge the Secretary of State to give successful applications the green light as a matter of urgency, and by doing so, he may save many jobs in the process.”
The ten organisations who signed the letter were:
- National Federation of Roofing Contractors
- National Association of Rooflight Manufacturers
- Metal Cladding and Roofing Manufacturers Association
- Metal Gutters Manufacturers Association
- Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association
- Single Ply Roofing Association
- Federation of Traditional Metal Roofing Contractors
- Lead Contractors Association
- Roof Tile Association
- Institute of Roofing.
