SIR — May I take this opportunity to set the record straight as far as funding for Somerset colleges in the forthcoming year is concerned. The fact is that nearly all colleges in Somerset have had some increase in funding compared to the amount they received last year. That includes a small increase for SCAT but it is clearly not as large an increase as the college expected. We are currently talking to SCAT to clarify the exact detail of what they have included in the one million pound shortfall they quote. Our priority this year – in line with government policy – is to prioritise the 16 to 18 year old learner. Huge strides have been made locally and nationally to persuade more young people to stay on in further education and improve their skills. The LSC has reacted accordingly and has allocated increased funds to this sector. Therefore, it came as something of a surprise to us to see your front page story last week suggested that a 17-year-old NVQ catering student at SCAT might be a victim of college cutbacks. This is the very sector which has received increased funding. We do appreciate that by prioritising on 16-18 year old learners, adult basic skills and those adults without a level two qualification, it does cause problems for colleges in other departments. College FE budgets include a large minority of leisure-related courses and these may be affected by a decision to prioritise funding in other areas. It is for the colleges themselves to determine how they will deal with these issues – but it could be the case that fees for these courses are increased. Ironically, it is because of the success in persuading record numbers of 16 to 18 year olds to stay on in further education that budgets across the country are under strain. But this is a key priority area. At 16 too many young people drop out of education altogether, often with only a few qualifications, or none at all. It is essential that young people in this age range are among our top priorities. It is one of the best ways to ensure they realise their full potential and make a real contribution to their country, economically and socially. Richard Noah, Interim Executive Director, Somerset Learning and Skills Council.