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Written question asked by David Simmonds (Conservative) on Friday, 29 August 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 2 September 2025. It was answered by Andrew Western (Labour) on Wednesday, 15 October 2025 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

English Language: Education

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how much funding was allocated to English for Speakers of Other Languages provision in 2024-25; what is the budget for 2025-26; and what proportion in each case was allocated as grants to local authorities.

Answer

Funding for adults to develop the English language skills they need is made available across government – from the Home Office, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Department for Work and Pensions and the Department for Education.

The department supports adults aged 19+ in England who speak English as a second or additional language to access English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) provision through the Adult Skills Fund (ASF), subject to eligibility requirements. ESOL funding is not ringfenced.

Currently 68% of the ASF is devolved to 12 Strategic Authorities and the Greater London Authority. These are responsible for deciding how to make best use of their ASF to meet their local needs, including ESOL.

The department continues to be responsible for the remaining ASF non-devolved areas although colleges, local authorities and other training providers in non-devolved areas have the freedom and flexibility to determine how they use their ASF allocation to meet local skills needs, including ESOL provision.

The department supports 16 to 19-year-olds through funding that is allocated to schools and colleges and enables students to take part in either study programmes or T Levels, which includes funding specifically for English courses where appropriate.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
71475
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Education English language
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk