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Prince's Trust

Answer

We recognise the work of the Prince's Trust, particularly through their team programme, in helping hard to reach young people back into learning. We acknowledge that the Trust have had some difficulties getting funding to support this programme. However, the LSC has indicated that more than £11 million will be available to support the programme in 2005/06. The LSC has set up a taskforce to allow the Prince's Trust to continue to deliver this programme. The taskforce will be looking at how the programme can be nationally accredited as well as the future planning, quality and funding arrangements to ensure sustainability. I have already met with the Prince's Trust to discuss these issues and will be meeting with them and the LSC to discuss progress shortly. We have not had any representations from Learning and Skills Councils regarding this. As the allocation of funding in local areas relates to the LSC's operational responsibilities, Mark Haysom the LSC's Chief Executive has written to the hon. Member with the information requested for Greater Manchester and London. A copy of his reply has been placed in the House Library.Letter from Mark Haysom, dated 19 December 2005:"I write in response to your recent Parliamentary Questions to the Secretary of State for Education and Skills.""Firstly, you asked what representations she has received on the funding of Prince's Trust schemes by Learning and Skills Councils (LSC). The LSC has been working with the Trust for many years, supporting and funding the Team Programme through our local offices and colleges. As you may be aware, the LSC's funding priorities are decided at regional and local level, and the total amount of funding for the Team Programme therefore varies from region to region. The discussions between the LSC and our providers and the Prince's Trust are currently ongoing, with support already identified and finalised for this funding year in the majority of LSC regions. Across the LSC our funding support for this academic year will total approximately £11 million, which I hope demonstrates our ongoing commitment to the Team Programme.""We are working closely with The Prince's Trust to establish the contribution of the programme towards LSC priorities and to identify additional sources of funding, outside of the LSC. We have also created a task force between the LSC and the Prince's Trust who are working together to establish how our joint planning cycles can support this aim. Our shared ambition is for a secure future for the Team Programme that is not dependent on a single LSC funding source.""In your further question to the Secretary of State you asked what assessment she has made of the effects of prioritising 14 to 19 education on the funding of Prince's Trust schemes in Greater Manchester. LSC Funding is currently channelled through a lead college out to other partners delivering Prince's Trust programmes across the LSC areas in the region. Each learner joins the Prince's Trust Team Programme through which they aim to achieve the customised City & Guilds Profile of Achievement.""The LSC in Greater Manchester currently spends approximately £265m on provision for young people, much of which supports learners from disadvantaged backgrounds. Our commitment to this group of learners remains a key priority for the LSC both locally and nationally. The Prince's Trust provision is one of the many routes we are supporting for young people, and the LSC has to make some difficult funding decisions this year in order to balance a range of priorities for the area. This has therefore affected the level of funding support available to the Prince's Trust provision.""However, the funding earmarked for Prince's Trust in Greater Manchester for this year will total at least £750,000, a considerable investment in the Team Programme. I understand my colleagues in the local office are working with key partners and providers to identify potential further funding to support this provision. We are also working closely with the Prince's Trust locally and nationally to ensure that we plan together effectively to meet our shared priorities.""Trust this is helpful."

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

24574; 441 c655-6W

Session

2005-06

Related items

Deposited Paper HINF 2006/067
Thursday, 12 January 2006
Deposited papers
House of Commons

Subjects

Finance Greater London Greater Manchester Prince's Trust

Contains statistics

Yes

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk