To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills pursuant to the written ministerial statement of 4 March 2009, Official Report, column 55WS, on capital investment (further education colleges), whether (a) the effect on regeneration programmes and (b) co-funding from other organisations will be included in the criteria for allocating outstanding funds to college capital funding projects. (268530)

The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) have already begun discussing options for prioritisation with the FE sector already. Once the consultation is complete, the LSC will advise on options.

We would expect the consultation and subsequent advice to give due consideration to all potential prioritisation criteria, including whether the proposal impacts upon regeneration programmes, or has attracted co-funding from other organisations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills pursuant to the written ministerial statement of 4 March 2009, Official Report, column 55WS, on capital investment (further education colleges), what capital funding he plans to make available to the (a) 79 colleges with approval in principle and (b) 65 colleges awaiting approval in principle for their building projects; and when such funds will be made available. (268531)

The Learning and Skills Council’s (LSC) new acting chief executive has appointed an external team to review the current financial data held by the LSC and a team of property specialists to assist the LSC to ensure information held about individual projects is accurate and comprehensive and a sound basis for taking future decisions.

The LSC are working with the sector for prioritisation criteria for allocating any available funding. Announcements will be made once that work is completed.