§ Mr. Leighasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will clarify the situation concerning the granting of recoupment costs under the further education regulations 1980 for pupils wishing to attend out-of-county schools and A-level colleges.
§ Sir Keith JosephThe recoupment of the cost to local education authorities of providing school or further education for pupils and students who belong to the area of another authority is governed by section 31 of the Education Act 1980 and, in the area of Greater London and its contiguous counties, by section 31(8) of the London Government Act 1963. Authorities providing primary, secondary and sixth form education in schools (including sixth form colleges) to pupils from another authority are entitled to recoupment. Those providing education to children under 5 and for students in further education colleges are entitled to recoupment only where the provision was made with the consent of the home authority. Slightly different arrangements apply for London and contiguous counties.