Mayor of London and Chair of the London Skills and Employment Board, Ken Livingstone has announced that he has secured a £15 million funding package to enable colleges to continue funding English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) in the capital.
The package, which will be joint funded by the Learning and Skills Council and the London Development Agency, will address changes in education funding which threaten a significant proportion of London’s ESOL provision. Potentially nine of London’s colleges that deliver significant levels of ESOL provision face adult funding reductions of over £1 million.
Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone said:
`Being supported in English language skills is vital to ensure that those who choose to come to London can make their contribution in the workplace and play an active role in the community.
`The scale of the cuts in provision that were being envisaged were not acceptable and put at risk our ability to make adequate ESOL provision in London. We have been able to put together a package of resources which should enable colleges and other providers to maintain provision at this year’s level.
`The support of the London Skills and Employment Board has ensured that a funding package has been brought together to maintain access to support for learning English, which will assist in breaking down language barriers and promoting social cohesion.
‘The Board will now be able to continue its work on developing a Skills and Employment Strategy for London to ensure all Londoners have the skills provision they need to realise their full potential. ‘
To read the full press release, visit the Greater London Authority website.
