Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department is taking to improve post-16 education and skills training provision in Lincolnshire.

The government is committed to improving post-16 education and skills provision in all areas, including Lincolnshire, so young people and adults can access the training they need to succeed and support economic growth.

We are delivering record investment in further education and skills, with over £18 billion of programme funding for post-16 education and skills each year and 16 to 19 programme funding rising to over £9 billion in the 2026/27 academic year. We are also investing in college capacity, estates and technical education, alongside reforms creating clearer pathways through A levels, V levels, T Levels, Occupational Certificates and Foundation Certificates.

The Greater Lincolnshire Local Skills Improvement Plan is bringing employers, providers and the combined authority together to identify and address local skills needs. The Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority has also recently taken on responsibility for the Adult Skills Fund, giving local leaders greater flexibility to tailor adult skills provision to the needs of learners and employers across the country.