§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what directions she has given to the Further Education Funding Council in respect of the increase in the number of further education colleges with operating deficits. [14064]
§ Mr. PaiceColleges are independent, autonomous bodies and are responsible for managing their own financial affairs. However, under its financial memorandum with the Department, the Further Education Funding Council is required to keep the financial health of colleges under regular review.
§ Mr. PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will instruct the Further Education Funding Council to review the decision of Nelson and Colne college to make 37 full-time equivalent posts redundant. [14063]
§ Mr. PaiceNo. It is for colleges in the further education sector such as Nelson and Colne to manage their resources, including staff, as they see fit in the light of changing needs and circumstances.
§ Mr. PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what arrangements are in place for ensuring that the Further Education Funding Council and her Department are informed of the number of students enrolled at further education colleges. [14065]
§ Mr. PaiceFurther education colleges are required to supply information on student numbers to the Further Education Funding Council twice in each academic year. These figures are forwarded to the Department after processing, and shortly before their publication.