Written question asked by Stephen Byers (Labour) on Wednesday, 8 July 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 13 July 2009. It was answered by Lord Brennan of Canton (Labour) on Tuesday, 14 July 2009 on behalf of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

Tyne Metropolitan College

Question: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills if he will provide additional funding to Tyne Metropolitan College for the purposes of (a) avoiding redundancies and (b) maintaining numbers of available courses.

Answer: [holding answer 13 July 2009]: The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) has responsibility for the funding of post-16 further education (FE) and skills delivered through FE colleges and providers. In line with Government priorities, funding is prioritised towards courses that provide adults with the skills to enter and progress into employment or further learning.As independent organisations, FE colleges are responsible for managing their own budgets and setting the conditions of service of their staff. The Government therefore have no involvement in contractual arrangements for college staff.

Secondary information