With a week to go until the spring budget, we are joining the @Association of Colleges in asking the #government to:

1. Mind the skills gap and use the £586m raised from the immigration skills charge to enable colleges to tackle the urgent priorities identified by employers and the increased number of skills shortage vacancies.

2. Make a down payment on the ABS and invest to close the pay gap between school and college lecturers, extend the 16-18 tuition fund and reimburse VAT for colleges to start the journey to the introduction of ABS in 2033.

These steps will allow colleges to play an even bigger role in a strong society and a growing economy #CollegesWeek2024 #LoveOurColleges