Posted on 2015-10-05 | 10:14

Roger has written to the Minister of State for Skills, Nick Boles MP, to protest against the Government’s plans to further slash funding for adult and further education. Roger’s constituents contacted him to express their concern about proposed cuts to this sector of 25% or 40%, and the impact this would have on local colleges such as Fircroft which provide essential skills for adults. Roger believes that to lose any education provision would not only damage individuals who would be denied the chance to gain essential skills, but would also have a negative effect on wider society, employment, business and the economy.

He commented: “These proposed cuts are all too typical of this Government’s entire approach to the public sphere. Instead of seizing opportunities to invest in our people and our country and build a strong economy, they see even a sector as crucial to education as just a target for cuts.”

In his letter, Roger wrote: “It is extremely worrying that the Government are even contemplating making further cuts to the adult education budget. This sector currently receives just 6% of the overall education budget, and it has already suffered from significant cuts. I cannot state strongly enough the short-sighted, counter-productive and deeply foolish nature of attempting to save money by cutting adult education.

“In order to build a strong economy, the UK needs a well-educated workforce. Money spent on education is not wasted—it is a positive investment in our country, our citizens and our future economic success. To deprive people of access to learning, particularly for essential skills such as maths and English, is to remove their ability to fully participate in our society, let alone contribute to the economy.

“People in my constituency are particularly concerned about the possible closure of an excellent local college, Fircroft. This college offers courses to people who would not otherwise have been able to access them, enabling them to improve their careers and build a better life for themselves and their families, as well as make a contribution to the prosperity of this country. I am very concerned about the possible impact of these cuts on Fircroft as well as other colleges in Birmingham and around the country.”

Roger has asked the Minister for a guarantee that the propsed cuts will not lead to the closure of Fircroft.