§ Stephen HesfordTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many adults are entitled to adult learning grant; and what steps his Department is taking to promote take-up. [154560]
§ Mr. Ivan LewisWe estimate that some 6,000 adults may be eligible for the grant in the 10 pilot areas. So far there have been over 2,600 applications.
We are working with the Learning and Skills Council, Further Education colleges, and advice and guidance agencies in the 10 pilots to promote this new grant. At this stage, the main focus is on promoting the grant to new learners who started courses during January 2004 and to existing learners who may be eligible but have not applied.