{"value":{"id":1925384,"askingMemberId":5168,"askingMember":null,"house":"Commons","memberHasInterest":false,"dateTabled":"2026-07-08T00:00:00","dateForAnswer":"2026-07-13T00:00:00","uin":"17149","questionText":"To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to widen access to technical education for young people in (a) Newcastle-under-Lyme and (b) Staffordshire.","answeringBodyId":60,"answeringBodyName":"Department for Education","isWithdrawn":false,"isNamedDay":false,"groupedQuestions":[],"answerIsHolding":false,"answerIsCorrection":false,"answeringMemberId":5033,"answeringMember":null,"correctingMemberId":null,"correctingMember":null,"dateAnswered":"2026-07-17T00:00:00","answerText":"<p>The government provides over £18 billion a year for post-16 education and skills, representing record investment this Parliament. This supports young people across the country, including in Newcastle-under-Lyme and Staffordshire, to access education and training opportunities.</p><p>Support includes additional funding for disadvantaged learners, recognising the extra resources needed to help them engage, progress and succeed. Total 16 to 19 funding will increase to around £9 billion in 2026/27. Financial support through bursaries and adult learner support funding helps students overcome barriers such as travel, equipment and childcare costs.</p><p>We are also ensuring a broad range of high-quality academic, technical and vocational pathways, investing up to £1.7 billion in modern college facilities by 2030 and a further £485 million over two years to help colleges address staffing pressures.</p><p>In addition, 29 Technical Excellence Colleges (TECs) will receive £295 million this Parliament. Newcastle and Stafford College Group has been selected as one of four Advanced Manufacturing TECs, helping develop specialist skills and support learners into well-paid jobs.</p><p> </p>","originalAnswerText":"","comparableAnswerText":"","dateAnswerCorrected":null,"dateHoldingAnswer":null,"attachmentCount":0,"heading":"Vocational Education: Staffordshire","attachments":[],"groupedQuestionsDates":[]},"links":[{"rel":"self","href":"/Questions/1925384","method":"GET"}]}