§ Mr. HunterTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps she is taking to bring the level of funding in colleges up to that of schools. [58265]
§ Margaret HodgeThe Government are committed to raising the level of funding for colleges towards that of school sixth forms. By 2003–04 funding for further education will have risen by 26 per cent. in real terms since 1997. Further progress can only be made as resources allow and we cannot commit ourselves beyond the resources we secure. We are looking to the current Spending Review to provide the resources needed to deliver the Government's ambitious agenda for further education.
§ Mr. WillisTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will list for each year since 1997 the(a) capital resources committed and (b) additional revenue costs incurred on reorganisations involving 16 to 19 provisions. [60041]
§ Margaret Hodge[holding answer 11 June 2002]The information in respect of further education sector funding is estimated as follows:
Capital Funding Revenue Funding Year Committed Incurred 1997–98 £0.9 million £0 1998–99 £0.8 million £0 1999–2000 £2.6 million £0.5 million 2000–01 £0.5 million £1.2 million 2001–02 £19.6 million £2.2 million These figures relate to the financial year, 1 April to 31 March.
Information on schools funding is not available because details of allocations to individual schools are held only by Local Education Authorities.
§ Mr. WillisTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what recent research has been undertaken by her Department into(a) cost effectiveness and (b) the impact on quality and standards of different forms of organisation of 16 to 19 provision. [60045]
§ Margaret Hodge[holding answer 11 June 2002]In October 1999 OFSTED and the Adult Learning Inspectorate commenced a programme of area inspections that looked for the first time at the totalityy of LSC funded education and training for 16 to 19 year olds in an area. These provide an overview for local planning, organisation and delivery of 16 to 19 provision and the starting point for measurable, continuous improvement.
1410WLocal LSCs and their partners can consider whether reconfiguration of provision is needed and whether this takes the form of new collaborative arrangements or more far-reaching organisational change. They take a view on the cost effectiveness of their proposals and clearly aim to improve both quality and standards.
§ Mr. WillisTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what recent discussions have taken place between her Department and(a) OFSTED, (b) Adult Learning Inspectorate and (c) the Learning and Skills Council about the organisation of 16 to 19 and adult learning provision. [60046]
§ Margaret Hodge[holding answer 11 June 2002]Proposals on 16 to 19 organisations were discussed with OFSTED, ALI and the Learning and Skills Council before the publication in September 2001 of our consultation document on 16 to 19 organisation and inspection. DfES Officials have subsequently maintained periodic contact with all three organisations over these proposals and related matters, including progress of the relevant legislation in the Education Bill currently before Parliament. In implementing the legislation, we shall be holding further discussions with all relevant bodies including the inspectorates and the LSC.
The findings from area inspection reports, (prepared by OFSTED and ALI), may lead to consideration of local re-organisation for 16 to 19 learning opportunities. These are discussed with the LSC on a case by case basis.
On the organisation of Adult Learning, officials continue to work closely with the LSC ad ALI on a range of issues including both organisations' relationship with learndirect, and the delivery of adult and community learning, workforce development, the Investors in People standard, and information advice and guidance for adults.
Mr. Gareth R. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what action she is taking to increase funding for further education colleges in line with funding for school sixth forms. [58370]
§ Margaret HodgeThe Government is committed to raising the level of funding for colleges towards that of school sixth forms. By 2003–04 funding for further education will have risen by 26 per cent. in real terms since 1997. Further progress can only be made as resources allow and it would be unwise to commit ourselves beyond the resources we secure. We are looking to the current Spending Review to provide the resources needed to deliver the Government's ambitious agenda for further education.