Petition will battle college cutbacks
An online petition has been launched calling on the Government to reverse cuts in adult education funding which Bradford College bosses say led to them slashing courses and staff.
Earlier this month the Telegraph & Argus reported the college was to close community learning centres, cancel courses and dismiss staff.
A total of 67 part-time tutors, two full-time and 12 others will lose their jobs from Septem-ber. The institution is also set to pull out of 22 community learning centres.
Kevin McGuiness, chairman of Bradford College Corpora-tion Governing Body, blamed the Government for "changes in funding" and called on those affected to speak out.
Now, Councillor Matt Palmer has launched a petition which calls on the Government to reverse the cuts. He said: "As a result of the latest announcements, provision for adult and community courses in Bradford will virtually disappear next year.
"Whilst it is the College that has to cut the courses, it is clear millions of pounds have been cut by Government and the College has been left with little choice.
"These courses give people valuable life skills, allow elderly people to keep active, and provide an easy route into learning for those who are not used to it.
"Everyone should sign this petition. Even if you are not studying at the moment we all want good opportunities for our parents, our children, and ourselves in the future."
The petition will be presented to the House of Commons by Shipley MP Philip Davies.
He said: "I am a big supporter of adult education and have raised the issue in Parliament on a number of occasions.
"I am sorry the Government will not change their stance on this."
The petition will be presented to Parliament and given to new Prime Minister Gordon Brown after he takes office on Wednesday, June 27.
Higher Education Minister Bill Rammell said: "This Government is prioritising funding towards skills for employability for our competitiveness. Lifelong learning is vital for all, but public funding cannot and should not pay for training in a competitive economy. Those who can afford to pay more should do so.
"We expect colleges to consider all options, including fee increases, to ensure courses continue."
6:25pm Tuesday 29th May 2007
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CommentPosted by: John, Eccleshill on 2:24am Wed 30 May 07
As I remember the courses cut were things like cake decoration, etc. It's all very well but why should the taxpayer fund someone's hobby? If they can pay why shouldn't they?
As I remember the courses cut were things like cake decoration, etc. It's all very well but why should the taxpayer fund someone's hobby? If they can pay why shouldn't they?
Posted by: Cllr Matt Palmer, Bradford on 10:38am Wed 30 May 07
Hi,
take a look at www.keepbradfordlear
ning.com and you will see the reasons why the governmnet should help fund leisure courses. I fuilly agree that the person taking the course should pay, but they als have a benefit for society as a whole in terms of active citizens who are used to learning. Also, not subsidising leaves courses too expensive for more vulnerable people in our district, such as the elderly, diabled, and low earners. Surely we don't want an education system which is only for the wealthy? We all have a responsibility here to everyone in Bradford.
Hi,
take a look at www.keepbradfordlear
ning.com and you will see the reasons why the governmnet should help fund leisure courses. I fuilly agree that the person taking the course should pay, but they als have a benefit for society as a whole in terms of active citizens who are used to learning. Also, not subsidising leaves courses too expensive for more vulnerable people in our district, such as the elderly, diabled, and low earners. Surely we don't want an education system which is only for the wealthy? We all have a responsibility here to everyone in Bradford.
Posted by: John, Eccleshill on 12:25pm Wed 30 May 07
I agree we do Matt. However, in terms of priorities I would say that giving people skills to earn comes ahead of the kind of courses being cut - like "wine appreciation".
Given the need to prioritise I would say the right decision is being made.
As a Tory politician yourself, could you really promise that the extra money needed to fund adult education would be available under a Conservative government? Or would the money be diverted from training young people and adult work-related learning courses into bridal make up and ceramics for fun?
I have a feeling that you will promise anything since there is no party policy to criticise!
I agree we do Matt. However, in terms of priorities I would say that giving people skills to earn comes ahead of the kind of courses being cut - like "wine appreciation".
Given the need to prioritise I would say the right decision is being made.
As a Tory politician yourself, could you really promise that the extra money needed to fund adult education would be available under a Conservative government? Or would the money be diverted from training young people and adult work-related learning courses into bridal make up and ceramics for fun?
I have a feeling that you will promise anything since there is no party policy to criticise!
Posted by: Matt, Bradford on 2:57pm Wed 30 May 07
You're right that we need to prioritise, and you may wish to note that it's not all about decorating cakes (though that is a skill that can lead to a job!). Other courses being cut include languages, IT and computing, sign language, art, history and photography - all of which can be vaulable for work.
Of course I can't say what any future government will do - I don't make those decisions. What I will say is what I would do. I would fund these courses. Of course the person taking the course should pay too, but there is a benefit to all of us.
What is definately good though is that we are now having this debate.
Matt
You're right that we need to prioritise, and you may wish to note that it's not all about decorating cakes (though that is a skill that can lead to a job!). Other courses being cut include languages, IT and computing, sign language, art, history and photography - all of which can be vaulable for work.
Of course I can't say what any future government will do - I don't make those decisions. What I will say is what I would do. I would fund these courses. Of course the person taking the course should pay too, but there is a benefit to all of us.
What is definately good though is that we are now having this debate.
Matt
Posted by: John, Eccleshill on 4:33pm Wed 30 May 07
Matt,
I quote from the original story in the T&A on this matter:
[italic]"A college spokesman said courses most affected include cake decoration, cookery, creative cards, the arts, guitar and piano playing, jewellery making, photography, pottery, scrapbooking and wine appreciation"[/italic]
It is also clear from the original article that these are "learning for leisure" and not vocational courses.
Of course in an ideal world we would fund absolutely everything - in fact, I would support raising taxation to make this a reality.
Would you care to join me in echoing that call? Somehow, I doubt it. If we live in the real world the only way to fund courses like these are to raise tax or cut back on something else. Your party has told us that no further taxation will be raised, so perhaps you'd either establish your dissent from the Tory line, or tell us what you'd cut?
Matt,
I quote from the original story in the T&A on this matter:
"A college spokesman said courses most affected include cake decoration, cookery, creative cards, the arts, guitar and piano playing, jewellery making, photography, pottery, scrapbooking and wine appreciation"
It is also clear from the original article that these are "learning for leisure" and not vocational courses.
Of course in an ideal world we would fund absolutely everything - in fact, I would support raising taxation to make this a reality.
Would you care to join me in echoing that call? Somehow, I doubt it. If we live in the real world the only way to fund courses like these are to raise tax or cut back on something else. Your party has told us that no further taxation will be raised, so perhaps you'd either establish your dissent from the Tory line, or tell us what you'd cut?
Posted by: Steven, Bradford on 9:44pm Tue 12 Jun 07
I think the amount of cutbacks on education is disgusting especially the cutbacks on funding into adult courses. These courses for whatever reason help people either to get into University or relaxation classes that society greatly needs.
I think the amount of cutbacks on education is disgusting especially the cutbacks on funding into adult courses. These courses for whatever reason help people either to get into University or relaxation classes that society greatly needs.
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