§ Mr. BowisTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what steps he is taking and on what timetable to give greater independence to local authority maintained further education colleges; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. JacksonUnder the Education Reform Act all local education authorities are required to draw up schemes for the planning and funding of their further education colleges, and to delegate substantial authority to reformed college governing bodies. LEAs outside inner London were required to submit proposed schemes, together with articles of government for their colleges, by September 1989 for implementation from April 1990. Those proposed schemes and articles are currently under consideration.
Inner London boroughs will be required to submit proposed schemes and articles of government by September 1991 for implementation from April 1992.