Colleges respond to Chancellor's economic speech

Responding to Chancellor Jeremy Hunt's economic speech, David Hughes, Chief Executive of the Association of Colleges, said: “I’m pleased that the Chancellor has set out the compelling need for a major boost to college funding. It is colleges which will deliver the bulk of the training and skills needed to boost the economy.

"It is colleges where the half of the population who do not hold higher level qualifications and the nine million adults who struggle with their basic literacy, numeracy and digital skills will get the support and skills they need to be competitive in the labour market.

"I look forward to the Chancellor backing his words today on 15th March when he presents his Spring Budget. Colleges are ready to deliver their part in the economic growth plan, but they need the investment to be able to do that after 12-years of declining funding for adults and young people alike. Post-16 education funding is way behind what is needed to boost economic growth.”