Numbers in FE hit by Tory cuts
There were 1.3 million fewer adults in further education last year compared to 2010, according to the Skills Agency.
Year-on-year cuts to further education, affecting sixth formers as well as adults, has meant that colleges and other providers are struggling to offer courses people need alongside meeting the government’s priorities.
Expectations were low in the run-up to the government’s Spending Review at the end of November and there were fears of further cuts. However, the chancellor announced that the £1.5 billion adult skills budget would be protected in cash terms.
Nevertheless, the TUC points out that the “small print” indicates that there will still be some cuts so that adult skills can make a contribution to the overall 17% reduction in the budget of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
www.niace.org.uk/our-thinking/news/niace-responds-1617-skills-funding-letter