Anger as college course fees double (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Anger as college course fees double

5:06pm Tuesday 5th December 2006 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
•  

A Bradford College tutor has hit out at her employers after fees for a range of popular courses doubled.

About 15 one-day weekend workshops set to take place this month have been cancelled after substantial price rises put off participants.

Twice-yearly courses in subjects including loose-cover making, archaeology, aromatherapy, watercolour painting and PC troubleshooting, had been on offer to residents across the district for a fee of £15.

But a review by college bosses saw prices for each course soar to £30 - a figure which has proved too much for many.

Loose-cover-making tutor Gloria Dallas, 75, said her course would still be running if prices had remained the same.

She said: "I am unhappy about this and unhappy about the general attack on education these price rises help sustain.

"If courses are not vocational, education bosses do not seem to want to know these days. These courses were popular with people of all ages.

"They allowed people who worked during the week to study at the weekend.

"The courses are all about improving quality of life and managing stress.

"The rise is way too much. I don't really blame the college. I think it is the Government's fault really for spending too much money on weapons in Iraq."

Julie Hinchliffe, Bradford College's assistant director of vocational and community education, said the price rises had been forced on the institution by funding reductions for adult learning from the Learning and Skills Council.

She said: "As the result of a £2.2 million cut in funding for learners aged 19 and over, community education courses have been rationalised and reduced across the college as a whole, including the provision at our centres in Bradford.

"The College has been forced to increase the cost of community education course fees for 2006/2007 as the Government expects learners to contribute more to the cost of their courses.

"Last year Saturday Special courses were priced at £15 per course. This year Saturday Specials are priced at £30.

"There is no LSC funding available at all for these Saturday courses.

"Bradford College recognises the importance of adult learning in meeting a range of social and community needs and we will continue to provide learning opportunities for people of all ages.

"Learners of any age will continue to have access to literacy, numeracy and English language courses.

"Fee remission is also available on many courses for people on a limited income, means tested benefits such as Housing Benefit or Income Support or those claiming a pension.

"The college is aware of the value that our adult students in community venues place on being able to access education and learning opportunities and is determined to continue to run courses, which are economically viable."

e-mail: dan.webber@bradford.newsquest.co.uk