£12 billion - to help young people and adults get and keep jobs

Ministers today challenged colleges to play a greater role in helping people and businesses deal with the current economic situation as they outlined how the Learning and Skills Council should invest its £12 billion Government-funded budget.

In a letter to the Learning and Skills Council, Secretaries of State John Denham and Ed Balls made it clear they want the Council's work to focus on boosting greater participation in education and training, so more young people and adults are best placed to get and keep secure careers.

• Read the full press release
• Read the grant letter
• Read the statement of priorities