URL: https://council.lancashire.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=29379

Decision Maker: Director of Growth and Property

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: In November 2024, the county council was notified of structural defects in schools constructed under the Government’s Building Schools for the Future (BSF) Programme. Structural engineers advised that further investigation was required, and until these investigations and any subsequent remedial works were completed, exclusion zones must remain in place to ensure the continued safe operation of the schools. Due to the failure on the part of the PFI Project Companies to take the required action within an acceptable timeframe, pursuant to a decision of the Interim Director of Finance and Commercialisation, the council exercised its contractual step-in rights and arranged for the installation of Heras fencing around all identified risk areas, supported by on site security to ensure that no unauthorised access occurred behind the exclusion zones. In accordance with the Project Agreements, the associated costs are being recovered from the PFI Contractors by way of an adjustment to the Monthly Unitary Payments. While a definitive timeframe for removing the exclusion zones and security cannot yet be confirmed, the PFI Contractors have made progress on the required remedial works, and a phased removal of fencing and security is anticipated throughout 2026. Additional funding is now required to secure the ongoing provision of these arrangements until such time as time as the issues with the masonry walls are satisfactorily remediated or satisfactory evidence is provided that they are no longer required.

Content: Simon Lawrence, Director of Growth and Property, following consultation with the s.151 Officer and Director of Law and Governance, took the decision as set out in the report.

Date of Decision: February 12, 2026