"Not surprising sixth forms want to sue LSC" - Laws

David Laws MP has said its "not surprising" that some sixth forms are considering taking legal action after a funding error which could lead to cuts in sixth form budgets from September has left schools and colleges in England considering legal action against the Learning Skills Council.

The Learning and Skills Council (LSC), which allocates funds, miscalculated the number of students staying on.

As a result, it last month told schools that budget allocations made before funding was assured would have to be cut - some schools claim by up to 6%.

Liberal Democrat Shadow Schools Secretary, David Laws MP said:

"Considering the level of anger and frustration in sixth forms, it is not surprising that some are now looking at taking legal action. Schools and colleges simply won't accept yet more incompetence and poor management from this Government.

"Sixth forms have been put in a truly difficult position. Many are already contemplating redundancies or reducing the number of courses they offer.

"Ed Balls needs to make an urgent statement on the return of Parliament to explain not only how this fiasco has occurred but how the department can keep the funding promises it originally made."