Listen to this story Members can listen to an AI-generated audio version of this article. 1.0x Audio narration uses an AI-generated voice. 0:00 0:00 Become a member to listen to this article Subscribe Colleges are still breaking government spending rules on exit payments almost four years after they were reclassified as public bodies, FE Week has found. The Treasury’s ‘managing public money’ rules mean that FE colleges need Department for Education sign-off before making large staff severance payments, including those worth £50,000 or more. But DfE figures released via a freedom of information request show that in 2024-25, of 28 special payment requests, six colleges made “retrospective” requests once cash had already been paid out. Officials subsequently rejected four of these requests. Become a member for unlimited access to FE Week subscribe Our members enjoy early access to exclusive content and in-depth articles before anyone else. Get expert journalism on FE and skills, experience fewer ads, and unlock a growing range of member benefits.