Further Education Funding — [Stewart Hosie in the Chair]

Mangnall emphasized the importance of further education, citing Singapore's success in boosting economic growth through vocational and technical training. He highlighted South Devon College as a model institution that empowers young people to achieve their career goals, noting that 90% of apprentices find sustained employment within a year.

Concerned about further education funding issues exacerbated by the pandemic, Meg Hillier highlighted the financial sustainability challenges facing FE colleges. She mentioned that Hackney College had to fund additional students above its target at a cost of £1.2 million per year and called for more flexible funding tolerance levels to support colleges during difficult times. She also discussed the need for agile short courses and pointed out the importance of addressing the 16-hour rule preventing benefit claims by those studying. Acknowledged the value of the union learning fund, stating it supports proper training and qualification completion without wasting money. I am concerned about the lack of inflation-level rises in funding for local authority FE colleges over at least seven years. I also questioned whether the Government will review the 97% tolerance level, which could provide more flexibility to colleges and prevent them from seeking emergency funding.

He emphasised the need for more funding in technical education, advocating for increased investment and support for FE colleges.

He mentioned the complexities surrounding apprenticeships and suggested a new approach to improve flexibility and opportunities within the system.

Ms Maskell highlighted the importance of the union learning fund in transforming lives and improving productivity, urging for its continuation or a better version. She discussed challenges faced by local colleges in York during the pandemic, including securing environments and financial pressures such as £400,000 spent on making York College covid-secure. She proposed aligning ESFA funding cycles with college years to ease cash-flow issues and requested more capital grants for outdated facilities. Ms Maskell also called for a wider funding formula that considers recruitment costs and class sizes, mental health support for students, and long-term planning for the new economy's skills demands. Additionally, she suggested using returned apprenticeship levy funds for shovel-ready projects and advocated for better connectivity between asylum seekers and FE opportunities. I suggested that the Government should consider extending opportunities for people to change career paths by offering further education after achieving a level 3 qualification.

The MP is concerned about the underfunding of sixth-form colleges, highlighting that per-pupil funding has been cut since 2010 alongside rising costs and increased student needs. She notes that while funding for 16 and 17-year-olds was raised in 2019, there was no corresponding increase for 18-year-olds. The MP also mentions a survey showing that many schools and colleges have had to reduce or drop courses due to funding pressures.

Mr Stewart Hosie called the debate and provided procedural guidance, reminding speakers to 'ca' canny', a Scottish phrase meaning to proceed with caution or moderation.

Concerned about the overall amount of funding for further education and highlighted that £330 million allocated for skills is being sent back to the Treasury due to inability to spend under the apprenticeship levy. The speaker highlighted the importance of further education colleges as community hubs and providers of skills, emphasizing their role in adult education. He pointed out pre-existing issues such as a reduction in apprenticeships at SMEs and underfunding of FE colleges before the pandemic. The coronavirus has worsened these challenges, causing a decline in apprenticeship starts and financial difficulties for colleges focused on apprenticeships. I inquired about updates on financial support for colleges, including progress and additional support needs.

Emphasised the importance of further education funding, highlighting the struggle to get recognition for FE colleges. Discussed the value of the union learning fund and its support for over 200,000 workers annually in job-relevant learning and training. Cited a decline in take-up of adult English and maths qualifications since 2010 despite Government funding. Mentioned research indicating that 77% of employers believe union learning has a positive effect on workplaces. I asked why the union learning fund was discontinued despite its importance for providing training opportunities.