HARLOW MP, Robert Halfon rose on the floor of the House of Commons to answer a question on lifelong learning.

Peter Kyle Labour, Hove

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to paragraph 1.102 of Budget 2016, HC 901, what progress her Department has made on reviewing the gaps in support for lifetime learning.

Robert Halfon The Minister for Schools

In the 2016 Budget, the Government announced that it would conduct a review into the gaps in support for lifetime learning, including for flexible and part-time study.

The review is ongoing. The Department is currently speaking to businesses, learners and educational groups about ways of removing the barriers to people undertaking training and education throughout their working lives.

Furthermore, this Government is committed to supporting adult learning. By 2020, if we include the Adult Education Budget, 19+ Apprenticeship funding and the Advanced Learner Loans, more funding will be available for supporting adult FE participation that at any time in England’s history. It will have increased by 30% in real terms compared with 2015-16.