Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Education Funding: Community Groups

Wednesday 21 June 2023 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Minister stated willingness to work closely with Northern Ireland civil service on education funding.
  • Minister confirmed no direct action was taken by the Northern Ireland Office to advise on guidance interpretation.
  • Minister emphasized the importance of integration in education policy and discussed the costs involved.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Mike Amesbury Lab
Education Northern Ireland
Context

Community groups are concerned about changes in education funding levels. Recent reports suggest a cost of division in education amounting to £226 million per year.

Question

What recent discussions has the Minister had with community groups on the potential impact of changes in the level of funding for education in Northern Ireland?

Answer from Steven Baker

We are always willing to work closely with the Northern Ireland civil service, but decisions during this governance gap are formalised through an Act of Parliament. I am open to discussing specific concerns and agree that restoring devolved Government is preferable for decision-making on education funding.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not confirm whether the Northern Ireland Office took direct action or advised on how guidance should be interpreted regarding proposed cuts.

How: Preferring Restored Local Governance

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Q2 Mike Amesbury Lab
Education Northern Ireland
Context

Community groups welcomed the Department of Education's decision to not proceed with proposed cuts to early years, extended schools and youth service programmes.

Question

The Department of Education announced that it will not proceed with proposed cuts. Will the Minister confirm whether direct action was taken by the Northern Ireland Office to advise on guidance interpretation?

Answer from Steven Baker

We are always willing to work closely with the Northern Ireland civil service, but decisions during this governance gap are formalised through an Act of Parliament. I am open to discussing specific concerns and agree that restoring devolved Government is preferable for decision-making on education funding.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not confirm direct action or advice from the Northern Ireland Office on guidance interpretation.

How: Preferring Restored Local Governance

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Q3 Robin Walker Con
Education Northern Ireland
Context

The Prime Minister described education as the closest thing to a silver bullet and there is concern about the decrease in Northern Ireland's education budget compared to increases in other parts of the UK.

Question

Will the Minister make the case for further investment in education in Northern Ireland, particularly regarding integration which is crucial for future success?

Answer from Steven Baker

Integration is central to Government policy and the Belfast/Good Friday agreement. We should have serious conversations about the cost of maintaining a system where only 7% of children are educated in formal integrated schools, given the high daily costs involved.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not commit to further investment or making the case for it; he focused on discussions about the cost and benefits of integration.

How: Emphasizing Need For Conversation

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Q4 Chris Elmore Lab Bridgend
Education Economy Northern Ireland
Context

Universities warned that proposed budget reductions would lead to a fundamental and dangerous impact, including cutting student places.

Question

Will the Minister conduct an assessment of the economic impacts of reduced student placements due to budget constraints?

Answer from Steven Baker

We are in frequent conversation with vice-chancellors and have the power to commission advice. The need for revenue raising is being considered, along with ensuring that Northern Ireland's higher education sector remains a beacon of great education.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not confirm an assessment will be conducted; instead, he emphasized conversations and the power to commission advice.

How: Frequent Consultations, Power To Commission

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