The UK government is investing nearly £1.2 billion to fix vital maintenance issues in hospitals and schools across England. This funding aims to improve patient care by preventing cancelled appointments and operations, while also upgrading classrooms to be safe, warm, and welcoming. These improvements form part of the government’s broader Plan for Change, focusing on restoring public infrastructure after years of under investment.
Hospital Maintenance Funding
Hospitals, mental health units, and ambulance sites will receive £750 million to address long-term problems like leaking pipes, poor ventilation, and electrical faults. These repairs are essential to prevent thousands of disruptions caused by faulty buildings. Over 400 NHS sites will benefit, including more than £100 million earmarked for maternity units. Upgrades to neonatal intensive care units will help create safe environments for vulnerable babies and their families.
School Upgrades and Repairs
Children at 656 schools and sixth-form colleges will share £470 million to fix urgent issues such as crumbling roofs and dangerous asbestos. The government’s investment will also support energy-efficient classrooms and safe outdoor spaces. This funding forms part of a wider £2.1 billion investment into the school estate for 2025-26, aimed at creating modern, safe, and inspiring learning environments for students.
Government’s Commitment to Public Services
Health Secretary Wes Streeting highlighted the need to repair decades of neglect in NHS buildings to ensure patients and staff have safe, comfortable spaces. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson stressed the importance of providing children with warm, safe classrooms, reflecting the government’s commitment to improving education and public services. Both leaders see these upgrades as critical to building a better future.
Additional Government Investments
The government has also increased NHS appointments, modernised GP surgeries, and invested in new medical technology like DEXA scanners and radiotherapy machines to expand treatment capacity. For schools, an extra £1.4 billion will accelerate the School Rebuilding Programme, starting projects at 100 schools this year to provide high-tech facilities including sports halls, IT rooms, kitchens, and playgrounds.
This combined funding package marks a major step towards improving public infrastructure in England’s hospitals and schools. By tackling urgent maintenance issues and modernising facilities, the government aims to ensure better health services and safer, more inspiring learning environments. The projects will begin in the summer of 2025, offering hope for a stronger, more resilient public service system that supports patients, pupils, and communities for years to come.
