The Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) provides vital funding to schools across the UK for essential building repairs and maintenance. The results of the 2023-24 CIF funding round have been released, and unfortunately, not all schools have been successful in their bids.
For those schools that have been unsuccessful in their CIF bids, it can be a frustrating and disappointing outcome. However, it’s important to remember that there are still options available to secure funding for building repairs and maintenance.
As a first port of call, the school may wish to appeal the decision. There is only a very narrow window in which to appeal the decision, and the basis for doing so is also very restricted. The success rate for appeals is very low and the DfE will only reverse their decision where applicants can demonstrate that a material error has been made in the assessment of their application.
Alternatively, it may be possible to submit a bid in a future round of CIF funding. A new round of CIF funding is generally opened on an annual basis, with bids historically having a deadline on December each year. Schools may therefore wish to reassess their application and re-submit it later in the year. Lea Hough offer a free audit service to schools that wish to follow this route.
Where CIF funding is unlikely to be granted, perhaps due to the nature of the project, to explore other funding sources, such as grants and loans from other organisations. There are a number of organisations that provide funding for school building projects, including the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) and the Department for Education (DfE).
Going forward, it may be worth considering working with a specialist surveying and project management firm, such as Lea Hough Chartered Surveyors. Our team has extensive experience in providing tailored solutions to schools and academies across the North West.
We can provide a range of services, including condition surveys, project management, and cost advice. Our team can work with you to identify alternative funding sources and develop a plan for securing the funding you need.
In addition to providing advice on funding, our team can also provide guidance on how to prioritise building repairs and maintenance. We understand that budgets are often limited, and it’s important to ensure that the most urgent repairs are addressed first.
If your school has been unsuccessful in its CIF bid, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team today. We can provide expert advice and support to help you secure the funding you need and ensure that your school buildings are safe and fit for purpose.
