LTE Group responds to Autumn Statement

CEO John Thornhill says government funding for skills, training and education needs to match their ambition.

Following today’s Autumn Statement, in which the Chancellor stated that “being pro-education is being pro-growth” and reiterated the government’s commitment to creating a “high skill, high wage economy”, LTE Group CEO John Thornhill has called for the government to back up its words with actions.

Commenting on the Autumn Statement, Thornhill said: “While the government’s rhetoric on the importance of education and skills in driving up economic growth is to be welcomed, its words are not backed up by its actions, with no funding increases for FE and skills being included in the Autumn Budget.

Colleges and training providers are having to absorb rising energy prices and wider inflationary pressures.

"We support the Association of Colleges’ calls for underspends on 16-18 provision and clawbacks from the adult education budget to be invested in skills provision to help ensure that FE providers can continue to remain financially viable to provide a high-quality learner experience.”