§ Jon CruddasTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment he has made of the extra resources required to support the growth and development of new communities in the Thames Gateway area; what discussions he has had with other Government Departments in relation to supporting the growth and development of new communities in the Thames Gateway; and what resources he has allocated to support the growth and development of new communities in the Thames Gateway. [90427]
§ Mr. Ivan LewisMy noble Friend Lord Rooker chairs the Thames Gateway Strategic Partnership, whose membership comprises ministers from five Government Departments (ODPM, DfT, DFES, DTI and DoH) three Regional Development Agencies, three Regional Assemblies and three sub-regional partnerships (East London, North Kent and South Essex).
The Partnership is now looking at new means of accelerating the regeneration and development of the Gateway. Thames Gateway development and regeneration is being supported by investment from various Government funding streams (for example housing and transport) and through regional public agencies (for example the RDAs).
We are working with the Partnership to determine the additional demands on primary and secondary education arising through housing and economic growth in the Gateway. The Minister for Lifelong Learning and Higher Education, Margaret Hodge. chairs a Thames Gateway Further and Higher Education working group which is working with 254W universities, colleges, the Learning & Skills Councils and Higher Education Funding Council for England to scope the likely pattern of future demand for post-compulsory education and training.