Westmorland and Furness Council Invests £4.85 Million in School Maintenance
Council commits significant funding to enhance learning environments and ensure long-term safety and reliability of school buildings.
By Megan Worthington
••3 min read
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School building with modernised windows and roof, indicating recent maintenance work.
Westmorland and Furness Council is continuing its extensive school maintenance programme, investing £4.85 million in the 2026/27 budget to ensure high-quality learning environments.
The Council has allocated £4.85 million for the 2026/27 financial year as part of its ongoing commitment to providing optimal learning spaces for children and young people. This investment is a key component of the council’s Strategic Asset Management Strategy, reflecting a sustained increase in funding for school buildings.
Following a substantial rise in investment in previous years, the 2025/26 maintenance budget saw an increase of £2.3 million compared to 2024/25. This enhanced funding level is maintained for a second consecutive year, with nearly £5 million now invested annually across Westmorland and Furness.
This consistent commitment marks the highest annual investment in school maintenance since the council's formation. It underscores the importance of safeguarding public assets, fostering high-quality learning environments, and ensuring school buildings are safe, reliable, and future-ready.
Recent improvements encompass fire safety upgrades, electrical rewiring, asbestos removal, and structural repairs. Modernisation efforts also include the installation of triple-glazed windows, roofing enhancements, and improved drainage systems. The programme adopts a 'fabric first' approach, prioritising core building elements to extend lifespan and prevent more costly future repairs.
This strategic approach to estate management ensures improvements are made at the opportune time. By addressing essential maintenance and enhancing building performance, the Council aims to reduce future liabilities, minimise disruption for schools, and maximise value for public money over the buildings' lifecycles. Energy efficiency upgrades to windows, roofs, and heating systems also contribute to lower energy consumption and reduced carbon emissions.
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"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."
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"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."
These projects have benefited schools throughout Westmorland and Furness. Further condition surveys, maintenance projects, and building improvement works are scheduled for council-managed schools in the upcoming year.
