Higher and Further Education: Rural and Coastal Areas

Debate between Lord Patel of Bradford and Baroness Berridge

Wednesday 18th March 2020 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Berridge]

My Lords, my noble friend is correct that universities are bound by the Equalities Act and should make provision for students with special education needs and disabilities. Funding is available for them to do that, but I am happy to meet her at an appropriate time.

[Lord Patel of Bradford (Non-Afl)]

My Lords, while I applaud the Government for doing all they can for further and higher education in coastal and rural areas, we are seeing a mass exodus of young people from those areas because, even if they get the education, there are no jobs. Are there any initiatives under which we are incentivising businesses to establish themselves in those areas? Could Civil Service relocation plans look at coastal and rural areas as well?