A SOUTHAMPTON college has been 'left in limbo' after a damming report says it cannot financially keep itself afloat.

Now, the principal of City College Southampton has demanded an immediate solution from the Government.

Sarah Stannard confirmed the college is unsustainable on its own and needs to become part of a larger organisation.

The college's board says it has been pushing for the college to be part of a larger organisation for almost six years to help it financially, but "frustratingly no merger proposal has been agreed by the Department for Education".

"Staff and students have been made to wait too long for a clear way forward," Ms Stannard said.

It comes after the investigation from the Further Education commissioner said that without help, debts racked up by City College Southampton would not be paid, and it would become insolvent.

"The college is currently financially unsustainable and is unlikely to be able to standalone, even if significant savings are made," it added.

This is despite the college receiving additional funding from Westminster since 2018 to enable it to operate solvently.

One Southampton MP even took shots at the government's handling of the college's future, saying it "has not covered itself in glory".

Royston Smith, member for Southampton Itchen, added: "We are in danger of being unable to deliver the FE resource that is so vital to the City of Southampton.

"What we need is a solution, and quickly."

Recommendations from the report, which was published in December, demanded that new, detailed plans needed to be drawn up to sort out any financial shortfalls, and the board needs to restructure.

A follow-up letter sent to the college this week noted that it has responded positively to these recommendations.

Ms Stannard added: “The College has been challenged to produce a detailed financial efficiency plan, which is in progress. Spending on backlog estate maintenance has been necessary and very high over the last few years to resolve health and safety issues, such as failing roofs on historic buildings. This expenditure will be significantly reduced going forward. We have also taken action to reduce pay costs this year and will continue to do so.

Leader of Southampton City Council Cllr Daniel Fitzhenry said: “FE is vital to our city and our ambitions. I recently joined the College Board of Governors to show the council’s support and put my weight behind ending this state of limbo and delivering the strongest FE solution for our businesses and our community.”