VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Department for Education: Public Expenditure

Asked by Neil O'BrienConservativeDepartment for EducationTabled Answered 6 July 2026UIN 14924

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the 1% capital budget reduction announced in the Defence Investment Plan on her Department's delivery of spending plans; and where those reductions have been allocated, with particular reference to the capital spending in Voted Expenditure on page 62 of the Central Government Supply Estimates 2026/7 in i) Other School Funding (Department), ii) Grants to LA - Schools & Early Years and iii) Grants to Academies.

Answered by Olivia Bailey

The department’s core capital priorities remain unchanged. The School Rebuilding Programme continues in full delivery, and funding for school and college maintenance and special educational needs capital is protected. This includes our commitment to remove Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete from schools and colleges.

The department has met its contribution to the Defence Investment Plan without impacting these priority programmes. The capital expenditure recorded in the Main Estimate 2026/27 under Grants to Local Authorities – Schools and Early Years and Grants to Academies is not affected.

We are focused on delivering the best possible outcomes for children and will not take resources away from day to day spending on frontline services in education. We will continue to manage budgets through standard business planning and prioritisation processes.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim