Welsh Government: Draft Budget 2027-28 Consultation
Deadline for Submission: 25 September 2026
ColegauCymru has submitted evidence to the Senedd Finance Committee highlighting the growing financial pressures facing further education colleges across Wales and calling for greater investment in post-16 education and skills. The response warns that record learner demand, increasing Additional Learning Needs support requirements and rising costs are creating significant challenges for colleges at a time when they are playing a vital role in tackling economic inactivity, supporting social mobility and developing the workforce Wales needs for future growth. While colleges face increased financial pressures during this academic year, the outlook for the next is even more challenging, with the prospect of a cash-flat budget settlement despite increasing learner numbers. This is something that is causing great concern to the sector.
The response urges the Welsh Government to prioritise funding for further education in the 2027-28 Budget, fully fund increasing learner participation, strengthen learner support services and invest in skills as a driver of economic growth. It argues that investment in colleges should be viewed as preventative spending that reduces future pressures on public services while creating opportunities for learners, employers and communities across Wales. Without this additional investment, colleges face difficult decisions which could include reducing curriculum provision, scaling back learner support services and limiting opportunities for future learners. Colleges are well-placed to assist the Welsh Government in its ambition to reduce the number of young people in Wales who are not in education, employment, or training (NEET), but they must be properly resourced to do so.
Further Information
Alex Still, Policy Manager
Alex.Still@ColegauCymru.ac.uk
