Birmingham MP to speak out against cuts that threaten to 'decimate' adult education

The public meeting at Bournville College starts at 3:30pm. Other speakers include UCU general secretary Sally Hunt and AoC regional director Steve Sawbridge.

The proposed nationwide cuts will see college budgets across England slashed by an average of 17%. However, because of protections on apprenticeship funding, the budget for other types of adult learning will be cut by up to 24% at colleges such as Bournville.

UCU said that funding for adult skills had already fallen by 35% since 2009 and the latest cuts could decimate adult education.

Richard Burden said: 'I am very concerned that these cuts will hit the education and training opportunities of people who are returning to learn, especially many who missed out first time round. We should be helping people get qualifications which will help their own future, as well as society as a whole.'

UCU general secretary, Sally Hunt said: 'These latest cuts are a devastating blow to colleges and risk decimating further education. These plans could be the final nail in the coffin for the types of courses people want to study as a springboard for improving their skills, or just to try and get back into work.'

Steve Sawbridge, West Midlands Regional Director at the Association of Colleges, said: 'Colleges have responded to their fair burden of funding reductions over the past five years but these additional cuts will effectively decimate adult education and training in many areas.'

Over 32,000 people have already signed a petition opposing the cuts.