Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what the (a) nature and (b) proportion of changes to (i) further and (ii) higher education spending will be as a result of reductions of £450 million in his Department's budget.

The majority of BIS’ £450m savings will be delivered through known underspends and releasing unallocated funding.

Officials in my department are working with the appropriate funding bodies to determine how other savings can best be achieved in line with ministers’ priorities.

Funding for apprenticeships and student maintenance will not be affected.

The underlying principles ensuring that students and young people continue to benefit from one of the best education systems in the world will continue.