The announcement comes after the consultation paper on the Lifelong Learning Programme, which will run from 2014 to 2020, was posted online by the European Commission.

The Lifelong Learning Programme funds several FE programmes, including Leonardo da Vinci for vocational education and training; and Grundtvig, which funds training opportunities for UK adult education organisations, staff and learners.

The current Lifelong Learning Programme has a budget of over €1 billion a year, and funds thousands of projects, partnerships and mobility opportunities. Yet less than five per cent of this budget is to be spent on the Grundtvig Programme for adult education.

Mark Ravenhall, NIACE's director of operations, said: "In order to increase the impact of adult learning programmes like Grundtvig more funds are essential. Adults are by far the largest group of potential beneficiaries, and the group with the greatest need, and yet they receive the least funding."

Mr Ravenhall is calling for NIACE members to respond to the publication in order to ensure better deals for adult learners.

He added: "The Grundtvig Programme, although a small part of the entire Lifelong Learning budget is valued enormously by Adult Education organisations because it supports the development of non-formal adult learning. NIACE, alongside our fellow members in the European Association for the Education of Adults (EAEA), is urging all adult education organisations to respond to the consultation on the next programme."

Mark Astley