§ Mr. Geoffrey RobinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Education what financial provision will be made to training youth and community workers beyond the current financial year; and if she will make a statement. [15542]
§ Mr. BoswellLocal education authorities are free to decide on how much they budget for youth and community work and other educational areas from within their more general education budgets.
In 1995–96, an allocation of £1.2 million from the Department's budget for the grants for education support and training—GEST—programme will be specifically target training in youth and community work. The GEST programme accounts for less than 2 per cent. of overall LEA expenditure.
Through the funding councils the Department also funds higher and further education institutions which provide youth and community worker training.