Cuts on their way for Adult Education Service

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 25th Jul 2006

Up to 300 Adult education courses in Manchester may face the axe at this week's powerful Executive Committee meeting. Councillors in Manchester are being asked to make financial savings of £1.9m in the coming academic year, which could force the closure of popular courses such as keep fit, yoga and holiday languages.

In their report, City Education bosses also admit that up to 200 staff may lose their jobs as a result of the cutbacks, depending on which option is chosen at the Council's Executive Committee meeting on July 26th.

The changes are being forced through by the Government-backed Learning and Skills Council that wants more focus on young people gaining qualifications. However, Labour's Town Hall bosses want to cut these front-line services without first working out what savings can be made in back office services.

Manchester's Liberal Democrat Finance Spokesperson, Cllr Marc Ramsbottom condemned the proposals:

"Tony Blair said Education Education Education were his three top priorities- but obviously that doesn't count if you don't have an exam at the end of it."

"These courses are hugely popular and play a vital role in encouraging people back into learning, or just simply learning for pleasure. They provide a unique opportunity for meeting people as well as learning new skills. Before Labour axe up to 200 frontline jobs and up to 300 courses, they should be costing up all the other options."

Burnage is an area of the city that would be worst affected by these proposals. Liberal Democrat Councillor Iain Donaldson said:

"Many elderly people will be particularly badly affected if these proposals are agreed. Residents have told me how much they value these courses - for many it is the highlight of their week and their loss would be huge blow".

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