§ Mr. WillisTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what research his Department has undertaken to ascertain the extent to which school sixth form and college access funds are used for(a) travel costs, (b) books and equipment and (c) other living costs. [87953]
§ Mr. Stephen TwiggThe Department for Education and Skills has commissioned a two-year study by the Institute of Employment Studies to evaluate the use and effectiveness of the learner support funds in further education institutions. The interim report was made available in April 2001 and can be accessed via the DfES website at: www.dfes.gov.uk (young people/further education funding support/report). Publication of the final report is expected in spring 2003.
The interim research found that 81 per cent. of further education institutions use learner support funds to subsidise travel costs. Around 40 per cent. of the available funding is spent on transport services and residential provision.
A total of 367,055 awards were made in 2000–01. The table shows the number of awards made against the three categories.
Number of awards Transport 83,714 Books and equipment 81,837 Other(inc.living/general) 37,474