To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills how much funding Birmingham City university was allocated from the Widening Participation fund in (a) 2005-06, (b) 2006-07 and (c) 2007-08; and for what purpose such funds were allocated in each such year. (274043)

The Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) allocated to Birmingham City university £4,534,752 in 2005/06, £5,722,098 in 2006/07 and £5,122,524 in 2007/08 for widening participation. This element of HEFCE's institutional grant is intended to recognise the additional costs of recruiting and supporting students from disadvantaged and non-traditional backgrounds and disabled students. Allocations are based on the profile of the university's student population.