Written question asked by Ross Cranston (Labour) on Tuesday, 15 March 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 22 March 2005. It was answered by Kim Howells (Labour) on Tuesday, 22 March 2005 on behalf of the Department for Education and Skills.

Dept for Education and Skills

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, if she will take steps to ensure that fee concessions remain in place for those aged 60 years who wish to attend Dudley College.

Answer: Ross Cranston: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will take steps to ensure that fee concessions remain in place for those aged 60 years who wish to attend Dudley College. [222733] Dr. Howells: Older people will continue to be eligible for concessions funded by my Department through the Learning and Skills Council if they are receiving an income based benefit such as housing benefit or council tax benefit, and they may be eligible for fee concessions if they are receiving the pension credit. Learners of any age will also continue to have access to literacy, numeracy and English language courses free of charge. Colleges such as Dudley will continue to have considerable discretion in setting fees, and although we want colleges to raise more of the income they voluntarily forgo, we have no plans to stop colleges offering additional concessions if appropriate.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 432 c684W; 222733
Session: 2004-05
Subjects: Concessions Adult education Fees and charges Pensioners Older people Dudley College
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk