Schools, higher and further education, youth services, libraries

A peaceful, fair and prosperous society has at its heart a well educated population, with the skills to engage fully and positively in society and in the economy. The skill-base of countries and regions is increasingly the key determinant of relative economic growth, competitiveness and productivity - factors vital to support higher living standards in an increasingly globalised economy.

•  Investment that improves the educational environment and that delivers efficiency across the wider schools estate will protect the future prospects for all of our children. Increasingly, schools are performing extended roles in communities and have become valued venues for youth services, adult continuing education and recreation.

•  Investment in the Further and Higher Education estates will help to ensure that the infrastructure exists to deliver high quality courses to create a skill-pool and the research capabilities that are essential to support the expansion of home-grown businesses and also to attract inward investment.

•  Libraries play an important role in helping to improve literacy, particularly in the most disadvantaged areas. The internet has brought about massive changes to the way that society chooses to learn and access information and this is opening up opportunities to expand public access through the use of technology.