HC Deb 13 November 2001 vol 374 cc704-5W
Mr. Alan Simpson

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the projected funding levels are per full-time student in(a) sixth forms and (b) further education colleges for each of the next two years. [6683]

John Healey

The latest estimate of the average delegated funding per sixth form student in schools is for 2000–01 and is £3,230. On this basis, projected average funding for 2001–02 is £3,330, rising to £3,430 in 2002–03. The total funding per full-time equivalent student in FE sector colleges in 2000–01 allocated by this Department is £3,420 rising to £3,660 in 2001–02, and £3,760 in 2002–03. However, these figures are not directly comparable, as the FE unit funding figures include total public funding allocated for further education, while the schools' figures are based only on delegated funds and exclude other funding which the school receives centrally from LEAs which impact on post-16 students.

Chris Grayling

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much her Department has spent per student in higher education in each year since 1990, excluding contribution from outside the public sector. [11127]

Margaret Hodge

The available data for England are shown in the table.

Publicly planned funding for higher education institutions in

England1
Year Funding per FTE student2
1991–92 5,300
1992–93 5,060
1993–94 4,900
1994–95 4,830
1995–96 4,750
1996–97 4,580
1997–98 4,580
1998–99 4,700
1999–2000 4,810
2000–01 4,860
2001–02 5,020
2002–03 5,140
2003–04 5,290
1Unit funding is based on HEFCE/TTA recurrent grant and plus tuition fees, divided by the number of full time equivalent students. It excludes capital, funding for widening access and all student support
2Figures are rounded to nearest £10

Mr. Hoyle

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what is the timetable for an announcement on the new proposals for higher education funding; if representatives of the National Union of Students are being consulted under the review; and whether the present system of tuition fees will be abolished. [13000]

Margaret Hodge

We need to ensure that we have an appropriate balance between the contribution made by students, their families and the state to support our ambitions to widen access and participation in higher education. A range of policy options is being considered and no decisions have been taken.

We plan to consult widely on any proposals for change and would expect the National Union of Students to contribute. No decisions have been taken yet on the timing of an announcement.