Sixth forms facing teaching cuts next year in Powys are to get a share of almost £9 million of extra Government cash.

John Griffiths, the Welsh deputy skills minister, today announced an additional £8.93 million in funding for further education institutions and sixth forms across the country, with £662,112 being earmarked for Mid Wales.

He said it was in response to the economic downturn to support colleges and local authorities in the post-16 sector most affected by the budget settlement.

But Kirsty Williams, Brecon and Radnorshire AM, said: “Of course this additional funding is welcome but I am fearful this money will be too little too late. The £662, 000 for Mid Wales comes nowhere near Powys’s £844,000 shortfall.

“It is an insult to the sector’s professionals and students to say this money is being given as a result of the economic downturn. It is true to say that we need greater investment in skills and further education to see us through the recession, but the Government is falling far short of this.”

In almost every case, further education colleges and sixth forms will get the same level of funding for 2009/10 as they did for 2008/9.

Last month, headteachers in Powys said the £800,000 cut in funding for sixth forms next year meant more than 30 teaching jobs could be axed. They also feared lessons could be cut or classes left unstaffed.

Today John Evans, communications manager for Powys County Council, said it was not known what effect it will have on jobs or lessons until each school has the money allocated to it.

But he added: “The announcement is excellent news for Mid Wales and Powys in particular with a significant part of the additional money likely to come to the county, although we are waiting for detailed confirmation. The extra money will take some of the pressure off the post-16 sector, but budgets for secondary schools will remain tight.”

The minister said the downturn was likely to lead to an increase in demand for post-16 training.

The cash would provide funding for at least 2,500 more places for young people and adults.

By Deborah Knox