Local MP Caroline Dinenage has welcomed new measures to support adults in Further Education.
The Government has announced that it will make loans for fees available to learners aged 24+ for the first time. This will allow adult learners in Level 3 and above courses to access finance well below the high street rates.
The Gosport MP hailed the move towards a "progressive system" of adult learning, saying:
"Further Education is the key to a brighter, more promising future for many adults, and I am delighted that more people will be encouraged to pursue this avenue. One of the main barriers to participation will be removed, as learners will pay nothing up-front, and not start to pay back until they are earning more than £21,000."
Caroline went on to welcome the £50 million package of support for more vulnerable learners, such as ex-military personnel and those with learning difficulties, saying it "ensured adult education remains open to all, regardless of background or personal circumstances."
Research by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has indicated that 74% of people would consider undertaking further education under the new system.
