Shipley MP urges Government to increase funding for local further education colleges

Shipley MP Anna Dixon has urged the Labour Government to ramp up funding for local further education colleges during a debate she hosted in Parliament today. 

Referencing Shipley College, located in her constituency, Ms. Dixon described the further education system in the UK as “Facing significant challenges, including real-terms funding cuts, workforce pressures, and complex funding structures.” 

During the Westminster Hall debate, the Labour MP urged the Government to increase both day-to-day and capital funding for further education, address the shortage of further education teachers and tutors, and offer additional support for disadvantaged children. 

According to the Institute for Fiscal Studies, total spending on adult skills and apprenticeships in 2024-25 was expected to be 23% below the 2009-10 levels. 

In her speech during today’s debate, Anna Dixon said: “These colleges are the lifeblood of the British economy, serving as vital bridges between compulsory schooling and higher education and employment. 

“In Saltaire, businesses tell me that they are struggling to recruit people with digital and tech skills locally. With the right support, FE colleges can drive productivity gains across key sectors, such as engineering, healthcare, digital technology, and construction. They can supply skilled technicians and specialists, enabling businesses to expand, innovate, and compete. 

The Shipley MP also praised the work of the Labour Government, saying: “I am delighted that this Labour government is committed to equipping the workforce with the skills they need to rebuild Britain, including through the establishment of Skills England.” 

She went on to highlight the importance of capital funding to provide innovative learning experiences. 

“I pay tribute to Shipley College in my constituency. Shipley College is the local lead on health training and has built a strong relationship with Bradford Royal Infirmary. Government funding has enabled the college to invest in such amazing resources as Gaumard human simulators and an immersive classroom where students get to prepare to deliver skills in a real-life situation. 

She also highlighted the role colleges play in social mobility, saying: “College students are more likely to be from diverse ethnic backgrounds and to have special educational needs and disabilities, and 30% of college enrolments are students from the most deprived postcodes.  

“Sadly, in 2023, only 39% of those who finished level 3 courses at FE colleges went on to higher education. It is critical that the Government increase opportunities for those in further education and open up degree-level apprenticeships. 

Catherine McKinnell, The Minister for School Standards, said in response to Anna Dixon’s speech: “Further education really is vital to our plans to develop the skilled workforce needed for all pillars of the plan for change, and for providing people with the skills that they need to thrive in their life and work.  

“In 2025-26, the Government are investing £6.7 billion of capital funding for education. That is a 19% real-terms increase from 2024-25, and includes £950 million for skills. 

“The Department will provide approximately £1.4 billion in funding for the adult skills fund in the coming academic year, ensuring that adult learners can access education and training that they need to progress 

“Any organisation is only as good as its workforce. FE teachers and staff play such a vital role in colleges to break down barriers for learners and teach skills vital to economic growth. We are offering targeted retention incentive payments to FE teachers, particularly in key science, technology, engineering, mathematics and technical shortage subjects. 

“Our colleges are crucial to the education system, equipping young people with the skills they need to get on in life and giving some people the second chance that they might not otherwise have had. Our plans and investments will help to support, develop and transform our excellent FE system.”