PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Adult Education: Finance (27 May 2015)

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what assessment he has made of the effect of changes to the Adult Skills Budget on the number of (a) disadvantaged students able to study further education courses and (b) adult students able to study further education courses.

Asked by:
Mr Toby Perkins (Labour)

We remain committed to ensuring the skills system operates effectively to support adult learners and the needs of learners who are most disadvantaged.

The adult skills system is demand led so individuals get a choice of what and where to study. The freedoms and flexibilities offered by the adult skills budget gives colleges and training providers the ability to offer provision to respond best to the priorities and needs of learners and employers in the local area. The Skills Funding Agency considers the impact on colleges and providers when agreeing allocations.

Answered by:
Nick Boles (Independent)
1 June 2015