To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what recent discussions he has had with further education college principals about the Building Colleges for the Future programme. (303167)

I have regular meetings with the Association of Colleges and individual college principles. Additionally, in line with Sir Andrew Foster's recommendations, an FE Reference Panel on Capital was established in collaboration with the Association of Colleges (AOC). Through this panel, the Government have consulted with the sector about the recent prioritisation exercise and on the future of the FE Capital programme. The reference panel last met on the 28 October and will continue to meet on a regular basis.

To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills what his plans are on the future of the Building Colleges for the Future programme; and if he will make a statement. (303170)

The Building Colleges for the Future Programme continues to move forward. In total across this current spending period, Government will spend £1.7 billion on college buildings with continued investment earmarked for the next spending period.

Since the completion of the prioritisation exercise, the Department has been working with both the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) and the Association of Colleges (AOC) through the College Reference Panel to consult with the sector to determine how to best invest future investment. The group last met on the 28 October and will do so again in January.