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Further Education and Training Bill [HL]

I can certainly reassure the noble Baroness, Lady Walmsley, that Clause 6 intends the word ““choice”” to cover a wide range of learning permutations. We expect ““choice”” to be interpreted in an all-encompassing way and to include, for example, the form of study, the range of courses available and the timing of study as well as, but not restricted to, the type of course and the place or institution in which that learning takes place. We wholeheartedly agree with the noble Baroness on the suggestion that such choice should not lead to disproportionate expenditure. However, such a caveat should not apply only to the exercise of choice by learners, but needs to apply to every aspect of the Learning and Skills Council’s funding duties. For that reason Section 2(3)(e) of the Learning and Skills Act 2000, which is not amended by this Bill, clearly states that the council in performing all its duties must, "““make the best use of the Council’s resources and in particular avoid provision which might give rise to disproportionate expenditure””." I hope the objectives that the noble Baroness seeks to achieve are met in terms of a wide definition of choice, including choice within institutions and not simply choice between institutions, and the need to avoid disproportionate expenditure.