It is hard to argue with the Government's case that money to subsidise adult learning should be redirected towards those needing to acquire a basic skill or qualification. There is never enough money for what everyone wants, so someone has to prioritise its use.

The result is that many leisure courses at colleges across the county are facing difficulties. Fees are having to go up and changes are having to be made.

The decision by Oxfordshire County Council this week to provide a £174,000 loan, gives the adult learning service some time to reorganise.

It is clear that the days of cheap leisure courses are at an end. If we want them, we will have to pay for them.