Phase 3 of the Learning Estate Investment Programme (LEIP): FOI release

Information requested

21 questions regarding Argyll and Bute Council’s Mull Campus project, which is being supported by the Scottish Government through Phase 3 of the Learning Estate Investment Programme (LEIP).

Of the 36/37 schools built under phase 1 & phase 2 of the LEIP how many received less than a 50% contribution to construction costs? (What was the lowest percentage contribution?).

What is the average time it has taken to build a school under LEIP funding?

Has location been a key concern in other LEIP projects in the way it deemed to be on Mull? Some see it as sensitive issue.

Have any authorities who have been awarded LEIP funding ever pulled out of the project. If the answer is yes, how many, at what stage and why did this happen/what was the reason (s) given?

What discussions have there been with Scottish Government and Argyll & Bute Council with respect to the financial contribution they will receive towards the costs of a New Mull Campus? Pre and post approval of the bid.

When were Scottish Government first made aware of Argyll& Bute’s funding concerns?

Who raised the funding concerns with Scottish Government and when?

In reference to the above, how many meetings have there been and who attends these meetings. The bid for a New Mull Campus was approved in October 2023 – so I would like to know how funding concerns were highlighted to Scottish Government.

Was the Scottish Government made aware the Council was considering a second option of refurbishment? If so, who was informed and when?

Of the 10 projects that were awarded funding in 2023 how many authorities have started the process?

Some documents shared by our Council refer to a 50% contribution to the construction costs, others of capital costs, is there a difference?

The extract below is taken from Argyll & Bute Council papers: “note a business case and application is being prepared for a submission to the LEIP process in line with the adopted LEIP process”, (2.1.2). Could I please have a copy of the business case referred to above, thanks.

Are Councils briefed in detail before making a bid? I would like to understand how they are briefed on eligible costs etc. in advance of submitting a bid.

What does extra funding for location factor mean/entail?

Have any local authorities expressed concern that the standards of the build as set out under the LEIP provisions are too onerous/costly to comply with? If so, how many?

“Accessing LEIP is a significant contractual and legal commitment to the Council which we will duly consider if moved to the next stage” (9,3). What contractual and legal commitments have been incurred, by our Council.

If our Council pulls out of the LEIP project will the funding be given to another authority. What penalties financial or otherwise could they incur?

Would opting out prejudice future bids made by the Authority – (LEIP or other funding processes)

Has an independent 3rd party ever been appointed to assist with stakeholder community relations relationships in a LEIP project?

Is the project future proofed – is it a requirement it must provide for an increase in population?

Are the Islands Team going to be involved in this project?

Response

Of the 36/37 schools built under phase 1 & phase 2 of the LEIP how many received less than a 50% contribution to construction costs? (What was the lowest percentage contribution?).

Scottish Government funding for LEIP projects is not a contribution to construction costs but rather annual revenue funding on the achievement of defined outcomes to deliver the best possible long-term value. Further information on these outcomes and the term and conditions of funding can be accessed in the LEIP section of the Scottish Futures Trust website. The LEIP funding is based on the like for like replacement of the existing school / facilities.

What is the average time it has taken to build a school under LEIP funding?

Many factors, such as size and location, impact on the time it takes to design and build a school, with some taking much longer or shorter than others. Preconstruction average development time from project announcement to site start is 33 months for primary schools and 32 months for secondary. Average construction time for primary is 16 months and for secondary 26 months.

Has location been a key concern in other LEIP projects in the way it deemed to be on Mull? Some see it as sensitive issue.

The location of each LEIP project is determined by the local authority working in collaboration with the community and using statutory processes. Site selection is often a point of consideration for communities who may have different perspectives and see a variety of opportunities and challenges when looking at options for school location.

Have any authorities who have been awarded LEIP funding ever pulled out of the project. If the answer is yes, how many, at what stage and why did this happen/what was the reason (s) given?

No local authority has pulled out of the LEIP process.

What discussions have there been with Scottish Government and Argyll & Bute Council with respect to the financial contribution they will receive towards the costs of a New Mull Campus? Pre and post approval of the bid.

Scottish Futures Trust have communicated with Argyll and Bute Council on numerous occasions to discuss project scope and funding for the project. These meetings occurred between November 2023 and in advance of the Council Members Seminar in April 2024. At these meetings, the level of potential LEIP funding was discussed, and an indicative funding amount was provided. These discussions allowed the LA to take a decision on the viability of the project and proceed to development of the full business case – which is ongoing.

When were Scottish Government first made aware of Argyll& Bute’s funding concerns?

It was communicated on 21 February 2024 by Argyll and Bute Council that there were Council budget decisions to be made, including the Mull Campus.

Who raised the funding concerns with Scottish Government and when?

It was communicated on 21 February 2024 by the Head of Commercial Services at Argyll and Bute Council that there were Council budget decisions to be made, including the Mull Campus.

In reference to the above, how many meetings have there been and who attends these meetings. The bid for a New Mull Campus was approved in October 2023 – so I would like to know how funding concerns were highlighted to Scottish Government.

Three meetings have taken place to discuss the Mull Campus project on 28th February 2024, 19th March 2024 and 11th April 2024. These meetings were attended by representatives from Scottish Futures Trust, Argyll and Bute Council and Hub North.

Was the Scottish Government made aware the Council was considering a second option of refurbishment? If so, who was informed and when?

A range of issues such as site selection and options to refurbishment are considered on many projects. The programme assesses eligibility on need rather than a specific proposed solution. Strategies can vary and change during community consultation, the planning process, design and technical issues arise, or as costs for each option become available. The programme requires that any refurbishment project meets the same criteria as a newbuild.

Of the 10 projects that were awarded funding in 2023 how many authorities have started the process?

All 10 LEIP Phase 3 projects have started the development process.

Some documents shared by our Council refer to a 50% contribution to the construction costs, others of capital costs, is there a difference?

The premise of LEIP funding from the Scottish Government is based on a 50:50 “like for like” basis to support the delivery of the enabling infrastructure required to deliver the agreed LEIP outcomes.

The extract below is taken from Argyll & Bute Council papers: “note a business case and application is being prepared for a submission to the LEIP process in line with the adopted LEIP process”, (2.1.2). Could I please have a copy of the business case referred to above, thanks.

Argyll and Bute Council have published the information you have requested on their website: Mull Campus | Argyll and Bute Council (argyll-bute.gov.uk)

Are Councils briefed in detail before making a bid? I would like to understand how they are briefed on eligible costs etc. in advance of submitting a bid.

The terms and conditions of funding are provided to local authorities in advance of submitting proposals. The Scottish Futures Trust team also met with each local authority to assist with any concerns or queries prior to proposals being submitted.

What does extra funding for location factor mean/entail?

The LEIP Board has assessed the construction market and previous school projects to identify additional costs associated with constructing projects in remote and island locations. Indicative additional funding of 25% over normal programme costs has been communicated to Argyll and Bute Council.

Have any local authorities expressed concern that the standards of the build as set out under the LEIP provisions are too onerous/costly to comply with? If so, how many?

No concerns have been expressed about meeting the standard required by LEIP. All local authorities are aware of the requirements of LEIP prior to submitting any project and agree to working to achieve these targets.

“Accessing LEIP is a significant contractual and legal commitment to the Council which we will duly consider if moved to the next stage” (9,3). What contractual and legal commitments have been incurred, by our Council.

Argyll and Bute Council has agreed by an exchange of letter with Scottish Government to participate in the LEIP programme. The grant award letter which is issued at the start of construction would be the next contractual step when appropriate.

If our Council pulls out of the LEIP project will the funding be given to another authority. What penalties financial or otherwise could they incur?

If Argyll and Bute Council withdrew the Mull Campus project from the programme, it would be for the LEIP Board and Scottish Ministers to decide whether the funds could be reallocated. Argyll and Bute Council would not incur any penalties from the programme.

Would opting out prejudice future bids made by the Authority – (LEIP or other funding processes)

All submitted projects are assessed on their own merit at the time of review.

Has an independent 3rd party ever been appointed to assist with stakeholder community relations relationships in a LEIP project?

Some projects use external consultants to facilitate stakeholder engagement.

Is the project future proofed – is it a requirement it must provide for an increase in population?

Each local authority is responsible for the long-term planning of their learning estate including roll projections.

Are the Islands Team going to be involved in this project?

The Scottish Government’s Islands Policy Unit are aware of the Mull Campus project, however Learning Directorate officials are leading on the project.

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