To ask the Minister of Education to detail (i) what steps he (a) has taken; and (b) will take to enable schools to plan multi-year projects; and (ii) any engagement he has had with the Minister of Finance in relation to confirming the ability to do so in relation to his Department's budget.

My Department already has several multi-year programmes (Majors, FSA, SEPs) and indeed some larger minor works currently in planning.

Unfortunately with single year budgets, it is difficult to plan. As 2024-25 is the last year of the current Spending Review period, a multi-year budget has not been possible this time. I am advised that the Finance Minister has pressed both the Chief Secretary to the Treasury and the shadow Secretary of State on the need for a multi-year settlement. It goes without saying that I fully support her efforts in relation to this key issue.

As I have previously stated, it is my intention to continue to make the case for significant additional and sustained capital budget to invest right across the schools’ estate.

I have made the case for additional and sustained capital investment in our education infrastructure and I had a constructive bilateral meeting with the Department of Finance Minister on 21 March and will continue to engage at both Executive and with the DoF Minister as necessary.