Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon has voiced strong concerns over the future of essential funding for Harrogate College.
The Government has refused to commit to extending the funding period.
Despite securing £20 million through the Department for Education’s Further Education Capital Transformation Fund (FECTF) for a major rebuild, the project is now in jeopardy due to unforeseen planning delays.
The college urgently needs an extension to the March 2026 funding deadline to ensure the project can proceed.
In a letter sent to the Department for Education, Tom requested a meeting with the Secretary of State to discuss the situation and secure an extension.
After a seven-week delay, he said the response from the Department was "inadequate", and "failed to address the critical issue" of extending the funding deadline.
Tom said:
“The Government’s new approach poses a serious threat to the hard-earned progress we have made, particularly in enhancing educational outcomes and addressing critical skills shortages. If left unchallenged, these plans could undermine the foundations of our efforts to equip the next generation with the skills they need to thrive.
"This is not just a loss for Harrogate College, but for the entire community and region that relies on the skills and education the college provides. We are not asking for more money - merely the time needed to overcome these planning hurdles and proceed with a project that will benefit countless students as well as the broader economy.
“Harrogate College has been a cornerstone of education in the region, offering essential qualifications and training, particularly in areas crucial to combating climate change, such as clean energy and retrofit skills. The delay and potential loss of funding threatens to derail the future of the college.”
Mr Gordon expressed deep concern at the potential consequences of the Government’s plans to cut funding from existing projects, which could end the crucial funding for the college.
The MP is now once again calling for a meeting with the Secretary of State for Education, and for the extension to be granted, to help safeguard the future of the college.
I’ve written to the Minister for Skills about the Government’s refusal to extend the funding timeframe for the Harrogate College redevelopment.
— Tom Gordon MP (@tomgordonLD) September 2, 2024
An extension would cost nothing, but ruling one out will cost future generations countless opportunities & hinder our local economy. pic.twitter.com/2NdmSaQpyr
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