Darlington primary school will get almost £1m for repairs

Members of Darlington Borough Council approved the release of £928,305 to fund priority maintenance works at Red Hall Primary School on Thursday (September 24) which would allow the school to move into the Education Village Academy Trust (EVAT).

The agreed funding package includes £890,755 of council borrowing and a £37,550 contribution from the government.

"This represents the most cost-effective option," Councillor Nick Wallis, cabinet member for children and young people, told councillors.

Officers estimate the borrowing would cost about £61,500 a year over 30 years.

"Department for Education guidance is clear that the local authority, as the current responsible body, should ensure the schools can handed over in a safe condition," Cllr Wallis said.

"The works required are substantial."

Darlington councillors will be asked to approve a funding package of £61,500 a year over 30 years. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

EVAT had previously paused plans to take over the school because of the scale and cost of the repairs needed.

Council papers state that the trust would undertake most of the works itself, with the majority expected to take place during the summer holidays in 2027.

Any cost overruns would be the responsibility of the trust rather than the council, with estimations that priority repairs could ultimately cost as much as £1.78m.