Budget 2016: A High Stakes Game

By: Michael Lemin

Policy and Research Manager

Friday 04 March 2016

0 Comment

2015 was a peculiar year for politics, and there were few areas impacted more than education and skills. There were two Budgets, and a combined Comprehensive Spending Review and Autumn Statement. Announcements included the Apprenticeship Levy, the extension of learners loans to those aged 19+, and the much maligned review of post-16 education and training institutions.

It's a mark of how difficult times have been that the sector breathed a collective sigh of relief at funding cuts in the Autumn Statement, simply because we all expected much worse.

The problem, of course, is that cuts, funding changes and policy upheaval are cards that remain firmly in the Chancellor's grasp, ready to use at any time they are needed. Some unprotected budgets remain vulnerable, and were only spared by the Office of Budgetary Responsibility's optimistic forecast for tax receipts.

On 16 March, we will see if George Osborne is still in a position to keep hold of his cards. The economy is a complex beast, and the effect of falling oil prices, a volatile Chinese stock market and significant flooding at home must surely put pressure on government purse strings.

The Chancellor has already warned that global economic turmoil and slower growth means "we may need to undertake further reductions". We'll be waiting with baited breath to see how much of this will fall on the shoulders of the education and skills system.

NCFE's Futures Team will be conducting in depth analysis of what the budget means for our sector. We'll be live tweeting on the day with our thoughts. If you are attending the FE week Annual Apprenticeship Conference (AAC) our team will be hosting a workshop on the Budget on 17 March. We'll also be sending out a video summary explaining the impact of the budget on 21 March, and you can tune into our interactive webinar on 23 March.

Tags:

Authors

Lindsay Plumpton

Communications Leader
96 posts
David Grailey

Chief Executive
79 posts
Andrew Gladstone-Heighton

Policy Leader
75 posts
Esme Winch

Managing Director
35 posts
Michael Lemin

Policy and Research Manager
25 posts

Schools

Colleges

Training Providers

Employers

Learners

NCFE is a national Awarding Organisation

Join the debate