MPs examine further education funding

• Video and Audio: Further education funding evidence session
• Business, Innovation and Skills Committee

Witnesses

• Pam Alexander, Chief Executive, South East England Development Agency
• Oona Muirhead, Executive Director, South East England Development Agency
• Michael Davis, Director of Strategy and Performance, UK Commission for Employment and Skills
• Martin Doel, Chief Executive, Association of Colleges
• Ioan Morgan, Principal of Warwickshire College, Association of Colleges
• Councellor Dvid Sparks, Chair, LGA Regeneration and Transport Board, Local Government Association

In April 2010, the Skills Funding Agency (SFA) will take over the responsibilities of the Learning and Skills Council (LSC). It will become the overarching agency delivering funding and direction to the Further Education (FE) sector. The Business, Innovation and Skills Committee has agreed to a focused inquiry into the new Skills Funding Agency and Government policy in respect of Further Education funding.

Topics the Committee will consider include:

• The transitional arrangements currently in place between the LSC and the Skills Funding Agency (including any legacy issues surrounding funding problems experienced by the LSC in respect of its management of the capital programme)
• How the SFA will oversee the FE budget through its relationships with the UK Commission for Employment and Skills, the National Employer Services and the National Apprenticeship Service
• The delivery role that is envisaged for Local Authorities and the Regional Development Agencies