§ Mr. HopkinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will take steps to allow(a) sixth-form colleges and (b) further education colleges to apply for funding under the Building Schools for the Future Programme; and if he will make a statement. [176821]
§ Mr. Miliband[holding answer 7 June 2004]: Capital investment through Building Schools for the Future (BSF) is allocated for schools, rather than sixth-form colleges or further education colleges. However, the Government have recently committed their self to separate increases in post-16 learning and skills sector capital investment. Capital funds allocated to the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) will increase to over £400 million in 2005–06. This is an increase of over 60 per cent. in real terms when compared to 2002–03.
We are currently working closely with the LSC to join up investment for schools, sixth-form colleges and further education colleges. We are also encouraging local authorities and local LSCs to consult each other in formulating their proposals and plans for priority capital funding.