In a dramatic u-turn the Welsh Assembly has announced an additional £8.93million for further education institutions (FEIs) and sixth forms.

Schools across Pembrokeshire have been adversely affected by a controversial 7.43% cut announced recently and the new plan has been welcomed by Assembly Members.

The announcement was made yesterday (Wednesday) by deputy minister for skills, John Griffiths.

The Assembly has said: “The funding is in direct response to the economic downturn to support those colleges and local authorities in the post-16 sector most affected by the recent budget settlement.

“The effect of this additional allocation is that, in almost every case, FEIs and local authority sixth form provision will be funded at or above the same level for 2009/2010 as they were for 2008/2009.”

A total of £3.65 million has been allocated for further education and sixth forms in south west Wales but the amount for Pembrokeshire is not yet clear.

Mid and west Wales AM Nerys Evans, who is Plaid Cymru’s education spokesman, said that she is hopeful that additional funding announced for further education will benefit sixth forms in the county and Pembrokeshire College.

“It’s unclear at the moment how much of the additional money will come to Pembrokeshire and I am looking to find out how this will affect post-16 education across the county.  “I will be meeting again with representatives from  Pembrokeshire College and other FE institutions and sixth forms over the next few weeks to discuss this announcement and any further issues that I can take to the deputy minister on their behalf,” she added.

Regional AM Alun Davies has also welcomed the increase in funding, and said: “There is no doubt that FE institutions across Wales are developing a highly skilled workforce and this funding will ensure it will continue to grow.

“I am pleased to see that the Welsh Assembly has been listening to the sector. “When there is an economic upturn, those who have participated in the post-16 sector will be ready to deliver and meet the fresh demands of the Welsh economy.”