The government has cut skills training for adults with learning disabilities, according to the Conservative party.

According to shadow education minister Maria Miller, New Labour were neglecting this area in favour of more vocational courses.

“The government’s policy to focus further education funding on skills for life and Level 2 qualifications has meant that courses suitable for adults with severe learning disabilities are being cut in further education colleges,” she said.

This has been challenged by junior education minister Phil Hope, who claimed that assisting learning difficulties was “a priority”.

He said the government had spent £1.5bn on helping these people in 2004-5.