Many of Britain’s hospitals, schools, courts and prisons are in poor condition. The worsening neglect brings a risk of tragedy
in King’s Lynn, Norfolk, is a sprawling maze of two-storey concrete blocks. Opened in 1980, it once counted royals among its patients. They have stopped coming, perhaps because water leaks through the ceiling. Deemed at risk of collapse five years ago, the roof is propped up by 3,500 wooden, steel and plastic stilts. A dozen inspectors conduct round-the-clock checks for problems.
The worsening neglect brings a risk of tragedy. In 2018 the roof of a primary school in Kent collapsed – fortunately, on a Saturday when the building was empty. How many other schools are at risk? Troublingly, no one is sure. The National Audit Office, a watchdog, says that the education department does not have a good estimate “The only reason we haven’t had a fatality is luck,” says Matthew Byatt, president of the Institution of Structural Engineers, a professional body.
Why is Britain’s public-sector estate so run down? The first, most obvious reason, is a lack of money. Britain has long had lower public-sector capital investment than other countries. Even in the 2000s, when the economy was in good shape, capital spending on health care was usually well below the average for the, a club of mostly rich countries. After 2010 capital spending plunged . Forced to make deep cuts, departments reduced investment sharply to protect day-to-day spending.
Mismanagement is a third problem. Politicians in general, not only Mr Johnson, much prefer to promise voters shiny new projects than to spend on essential maintenance for existing stock . In addition, buildings are then used well beyond their recommended lifetime. That, in the long run, often costs more than replacing a building on time. The Queen Elizabeth is a prime example. It should have closed in 2010 but has staggered on.