Following the release of the Government immigration white paper this week, which raises the level of English language proficiency required for many visas, The Bell Foundation have published an opinion piece with FE Week outlining its implications for ESOL provision in the country. 
Read Diana’s article here: Why ESOL Funding Must Address UK's Language Learning Crisis
In it is flagged the fact that one in three people who report not being able to speak English well or at all are UK citizens. This, in a context of ESOL demand outstripping both the supply of teaching and the level of public investment in it, and against a backdrop of cuts to the Adult Skills Fund.
It also highlights that migrants often come to the UK bringing high skills levels but lack access to appropriate and specialist English language provision to unlock those skills.
The White Paper states a commitment from Government to make it easier for everyone to access English language learning.  This should be a priority for action in the upcoming Comprehensive Spending Review.