People in West Somerset who have booked adult education courses this term will welcome the news that much of the funding taken away from Somerset Skills and Learning (SS&L) has been restored.

But the situation is far from simple and there are signs that this could be only a temporary reprieve. At time of writing, it is not clear how many of the courses that should have started this term will go ahead.

I have been told by someone who booked a short course due to start last month that her money has been refunded and the classes are cancelled. Other people are waiting to hear.

There are two problems: SS&L has been told it will get three quarters of the money it had last year. That leaves a shortfall of about £1 million. And the money it has been given is for this year only.

A letter to course providers from the Department for Education draws a distinction between priority and non-priority education – with community-based adult classes in the non-priority category.

And an email from the Further Education Minister Anne Milton describes this year’s funding as a transitional arrangement, with the implication that the money for non-priority classes is being run down.

Of course, vocational education such as apprenticeships is very important and must be protected. But so should the courses that people take with no thought of improving their employment prospects.

Education is a good thing in itself and something that adds to the quality of life for retired people and others who want to pursue an interest.

The Conservatives who control the county council washed their hands of responsibility for adult education when they pushed SS&L away and turned it into an independent company. Now, the Conservative Government seems to be offering a bleak future for people who want to learn.

Andy Lewis, Elm Grove, Minehead