Adult skills and lifelong learning

Education Committee Closed Inquiry
Opened: 26 Mar 2020 Closed: 22 Jun 2021 Parliament page
The Education Committee is relaunching their inquiry into adult skills and lifelong learning (ASALL). The Committee's inquiry will examine the state of adult skills and lifelong learning (ASALL) provision. The inquiry will explore key themes such as participation in ASALL, the balance and range of different forms of provision, and … Read more
12 Recommendations
33 Conclusions
1 Report
2 Oral sessions
1 Letter
2 Events
Activity timeline 7 events
12 Mar
2021
Report published
19 Dec
2020
Report published
3 Nov
2020
Correspondence
29 Sep
2020
Oral evidence
29 Sep
2020
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Virtual meeting
22 Sep
2020
Oral evidence
22 Sep
2020
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Virtual meeting
Oral evidence sessions 2 sessions
29 Sep 2020
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Adult Skills and Lifelong Learning
Gillian Keegan · Department for Education
22 Sep 2020
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Adult Skills and Lifelong Learning
Dr Sue Pember · HOLEX Ian Murray · Trade Union Congress Joe Fizsimons · Institute of Directors Matthew Percival · Confederation of British Industry Professor Josie Fraser · The Open University Simon Parkinson · Workers’ Education Association
Title HC No. Published Items Response
Third report - A plan for an adult skills and lifelong learning … HC 278 19 Dec 2020 45 Responded
Recommendations & Conclusions
45 results
1 Conclusion
Third report - A plan for an adult…
The benefits of adult skills and lifelong learning are well-evidenced and include benefits for productivity...
The benefits of adult skills and lifelong learning are well-evidenced and include benefits for productivity and the economy, for health and wellbeing, and for social justice and communities. To respond to the significant challenges posed by the Fourth Industrial Revolution, … Read more
Government Response
The Government recognises the economic, social, and wellbeing benefits of lifelong learning outlined in the Committee report, and in September 2020 the Prime Minister announced the Lifetime Skills Guarantee, which … Read more
Department for Education
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2 Recommendation
Third report - A plan for an adult…
The Government must commission analysis to identify where the nation’s immediate and longer-term skills needs...
The Government must commission analysis to identify where the nation’s immediate and longer-term skills needs lie. This should be regularly updated, as real-time labour markets data is essential for ensuring that reforms to adult skills and lifelong learning are properly … Read more
Department for Education
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3 Conclusion
Third report - A plan for an adult…
Government policy on adult skills and lifelong learning has tended to be short- term, piecemeal,...
Government policy on adult skills and lifelong learning has tended to be short- term, piecemeal, and initiative-led. The result has been a substantial churn of adult education initiatives which has worked against the implementation of a coherent, long-term strategic vision … Read more
Government Response
17. In July 2020, the Secretary of State for Education said there needed to be a major shift in how we treat FE as it is vital if we want … Read more
Department for Education
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4 Recommendation
Third report - A plan for an adult…
The Department must set out an ambitious, long-term strategy for adult skills and lifelong learning.
The Department must set out an ambitious, long-term strategy for adult skills and lifelong learning. This must be a comprehensive and holistic vision for ASALL in its entirety—piecemeal adjustments and one-off initiatives will not deliver the reform needed. These reforms … Read more
Department for Education
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5 Conclusion
Third report - A plan for an adult…
Adults need clear and impartial advice and support on learning and funding.
Adults need clear and impartial advice and support on learning and funding. The National Careers Service is limited and overly centralised, particularly given the extent to which ASALL provision is now devolved. A far more proactive approach to promoting and … Read more
Government Response
22. Careers guidance is vital in helping to develop talents and opportunities for all, so that people have the skills they need and employers want post-Brexit and post-pandemic. 23. There … Read more
Department for Education
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6 Conclusion
Third report - A plan for an adult…
The Department must devolve National Careers Service funding to enable local and combined authorities and...
The Department must devolve National Careers Service funding to enable local and combined authorities and local enterprise partnerships to co-design and promote locally relevant information, advice and guidance. The National Careers Service should provide more robust data on employment and … Read more
Government Response
22. Careers guidance is vital in helping to develop talents and opportunities for all, so that people have the skills they need and employers want post-Brexit and post-pandemic. 23. There … Read more
Department for Education
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7 Conclusion
Third report - A plan for an adult…
The ability to study bite-size modules rather than commit to full qualifications is a much-needed...
The ability to study bite-size modules rather than commit to full qualifications is a much-needed reform that will make it easier for adults to upskill and retrain. Developing qualifications that can be taken in modules will enable adults with busy … Read more
Government Response
28. The Government recognises the value of flexible and modular learning and in addition to the increased flexibility of the HE loans that are noted in the Committee report, we … Read more
Department for Education
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8 Recommendation
Third report - A plan for an adult…
We recommend the Department work with the relevant sector bodies to develop a modular offer...
We recommend the Department work with the relevant sector bodies to develop a modular offer for skills qualifications at all levels. This should be linked to those qualifications and courses which meet the skills needs of the nation. The Department … Read more
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9 Conclusion
Third report - A plan for an adult…
Adult skills funding has fallen by 45% in real terms between 2009–10 and 2017–18.
Adult skills funding has fallen by 45% in real terms between 2009–10 and 2017–18. The consequence of this decline is that the nation’s adult skills and lifelong learning system is in poor shape to tackle the pressing challenges of the … Read more
Government Response
35. We are continuing to invest in education and skills training for adults through the AEB (£1.34bn in 2020/21). 36. Currently, approximately 50% of the AEB is devolved to 7 … Read more
Department for Education
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10 Conclusion
Third report - A plan for an adult…
For its 2021 Spending Review bid, the Department must properly cost what level of Adult...
For its 2021 Spending Review bid, the Department must properly cost what level of Adult Education Budget increase is needed to meet the urgent and overdue reforms we set out in this report. An ambitious, long-term strategy for adult education … Read more
Government Response
We are continuing to invest in education and skills training for adults through the AEB (£1.34bn in 2020/21). Currently, approximately 50% of the AEB is devolved to 7 Mayoral Combined … Read more
Department for Education
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11 Conclusion
Third report - A plan for an adult…
The Department must review funding for adult skills and lifelong learning to see how the...
The Department must review funding for adult skills and lifelong learning to see how the various funding streams can be consolidated and made more streamlined and less bureaucratic for providers. (Paragraph 34) A plan for an adult skills and lifelong … Read more
Government Response
Overall, as part of the Skills for Jobs White Paper, we outline our ambitions for a simplified and better targeted funding system. We want to create a simpler funding system … Read more
Department for Education
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12 Conclusion
Third report - A plan for an adult…
We believe that there is a place for a rigorously designed and independently overseen Individual...
We believe that there is a place for a rigorously designed and independently overseen Individual Learning Accounts scheme funded through the new National Skills Fund. This would put purchasing power into the hands of the individual, enabling adults to take … Read more
Government Response
In his speech on 29 September 2020, the Prime Minister announced plans to introduce a Lifelong Loan Entitlement as part of the Lifetime Skills Guarantee. As set out in the … Read more
Department for Education
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13 Recommendation
Third report - A plan for an adult…
We recommend that the Government develop Individual Learning Accounts, drawing on the lessons learnt previously.
We recommend that the Government develop Individual Learning Accounts, drawing on the lessons learnt previously. These should be funded through the National Skills Fund, and initially should be aimed at unemployed adults and adults in work earning a low wage. Read more
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14 Conclusion
Third report - A plan for an adult…
The Department should provide additional funding for the digital skills entitlement, and should ensure that...
The Department should provide additional funding for the digital skills entitlement, and should ensure that any future statutory entitlements coming out of the Adult Education Budget are properly costed and funded. This should be clearly linked to forecast participation levels. Read more
Government Response
The principal purpose of the AEB is to engage adults and provide the skills and learning they need to equip them for work, an apprenticeship or further learning. Community Learning … Read more
Department for Education
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15 Conclusion
Third report - A plan for an adult…
Adult enrolments on full level 2 courses have fallen by 87% between 2012–13 and 2017–18.
Adult enrolments on full level 2 courses have fallen by 87% between 2012–13 and 2017–18. Over six million working adults do not have a level 2 qualification. Without the foundation provided by level 2 qualifications, higher level skills and higher … Read more
Government Response
Accept. 71. Currently, students attending full-time courses can apply for support towards their childcare costs as the requirement to study on a full-time basis means that they will have less … Read more
Department for Education
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16 Conclusion
Third report - A plan for an adult…
The Department should remove funding restrictions for first full level 2 qualifications, restoring funding for...
The Department should remove funding restrictions for first full level 2 qualifications, restoring funding for adults who are over 24 and employed. The Department must fund a promotional campaign to ensure no adult remains unaware of what qualifications and funding … Read more
Government Response
This government remains committed to the manifesto commitment to boost English language teaching to empower existing migrants and help promote integration into society, as we know that language skills are … Read more
Department for Education
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17 Conclusion
Third report - A plan for an adult…
Qualifications at level 3 have economic and labour market benefits for adults.
Qualifications at level 3 have economic and labour market benefits for adults. Level 3 qualifications are also a key stepping-stone to higher level study. We are pleased that the Department has announced an expansion to the level 3 entitlement, so … Read more
Government Response
This government remains committed to the manifesto commitment to boost English language teaching to empower existing migrants and help promote integration into society, as we know that language skills are … Read more
Department for Education
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18 Conclusion
Third report - A plan for an adult…
The Department should extend the entitlement to a free level 3 qualification further, so that...
The Department should extend the entitlement to a free level 3 qualification further, so that unemployed adults who already have a level 3 are fully funded to retrain at level 3 in priority skills sectors.
Government Response
This government remains committed to the manifesto commitment to boost English language teaching to empower existing migrants and help promote integration into society, as we know that language skills are … Read more
Department for Education
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19 Conclusion
Third report - A plan for an adult…
Local enterprise partnerships, working with local and combined authorities, should be able to add to...
Local enterprise partnerships, working with local and combined authorities, should be able to add to the Department’s list of fully funded level 3 qualifications, where that qualification meets local or regional labour market needs. The range of adult education courses … Read more
Government Response
This government remains committed to the manifesto commitment to boost English language teaching to empower existing migrants and help promote integration into society, as we know that language skills are … Read more
Department for Education
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20 Conclusion
Third report - A plan for an adult…
We are concerned that the ambition of the Lifetime Skills Guarantee could be thwarted if...
We are concerned that the ambition of the Lifetime Skills Guarantee could be thwarted if take-up of the expanded level 3 entitlement is poor. (Paragraph 54) 50 A plan for an adult skills and lifelong learning revolution
Government Response
This government remains committed to the manifesto commitment to boost English language teaching to empower existing migrants and help promote integration into society, as we know that language skills are … Read more
Department for Education
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21 Recommendation
Third report - A plan for an adult…
We recommend the Department fund a national promotional campaign to ensure all eligible adults are...
We recommend the Department fund a national promotional campaign to ensure all eligible adults are aware of the free learning they are entitled to. The Department should work with the sector to identify innovative ways to support adults to take … Read more
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22 Conclusion
Third report - A plan for an adult…
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) provision can be transformational for adults.
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) provision can be transformational for adults. Unfortunately, we heard evidence of long waiting lists and demand outstripping supply. And despite the critical importance of ESOL, Adult Education Budget funding for ESOL fell by … Read more
Government Response
This government remains committed to the manifesto commitment to boost English language teaching to empower existing migrants and help promote integration into society, as we know that language skills are … Read more
Department for Education
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23 Conclusion
Third report - A plan for an adult…
The Department’s lifelong learning strategy must include an ESOL element.
The Department’s lifelong learning strategy must include an ESOL element. The Department should take a lead role for adult ESOL strategy to ensure a more joined up approach to cross-Department ESOL funding and objectives. The Department must undertake analysis to … Read more
Government Response
64. This government remains committed to the manifesto commitment to boost English language teaching to empower existing migrants and help promote integration into society, as we know that language skills … Read more
Department for Education
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24 Conclusion
Third report - A plan for an adult…
More needs to be done to support adult learners with special educational needs and disabilities...
More needs to be done to support adult learners with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). There are opportunities including supported internships and apprenticeships, and community learning provision. But these opportunities are limited, and support funding is insufficient. Read more
Government Response
67. The AEB funds colleges and providers to help adult learners to overcome barriers which prevent them from taking part in learning. This includes Learning Support, to meet the additional … Read more
Department for Education
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25 Conclusion
Third report - A plan for an adult…
The Department should work with the sector to assess what additional funding is needed to...
The Department should work with the sector to assess what additional funding is needed to better support adult learners with SEND. The Department should then introduce a funding premium for adult learners with SEND to ensure there is fully inclusive, … Read more
Government Response
67. The AEB funds colleges and providers to help adult learners to overcome barriers which prevent them from taking part in learning. This includes Learning Support, to meet the additional … Read more
Department for Education
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26 Conclusion
Third report - A plan for an adult…
Childcare poses a barrier for parents and carers aspiring to upskill and retrain.
Childcare poses a barrier for parents and carers aspiring to upskill and retrain. More needs to be done to support parents and carers to participate in adult education.
Government Response
71. Currently, students attending full-time courses can apply for support towards their childcare costs as the requirement to study on a full-time basis means that they will have less scope … Read more
Department for Education
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27 Recommendation
Third report - A plan for an adult…
We recommend that childcare grants and Parents’ Learning Allowance are made available to part-time learners...
We recommend that childcare grants and Parents’ Learning Allowance are made available to part-time learners studying for a Higher Education qualification. The Government should look at where childcare might be a barrier and extend the 30 hour per week universal … Read more
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28 Conclusion
Third report - A plan for an adult…
Community learning appears to have been largely overlooked by the Department.
Community learning appears to have been largely overlooked by the Department. The Department does not have sufficient oversight of what data is available on A plan for an adult skills and lifelong learning revolution 51 community learning. Nor are we … Read more
Government Response
78. The principal purpose of the AEB is to engage adults and provide the skills and learning they need to equip them for work, an apprenticeship or further learning. Community … Read more
Department for Education
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29 Conclusion
Third report - A plan for an adult…
The Department must work with the adult education sector to develop a better understanding of...
The Department must work with the adult education sector to develop a better understanding of what data exists on community learning and where any gaps might be. This should include mapping and regularly publishing data on how many community learning … Read more
Government Response
78. The principal purpose of the AEB is to engage adults and provide the skills and learning they need to equip them for work, an apprenticeship or further learning. Community … Read more
Department for Education
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30 Conclusion
Third report - A plan for an adult…
The community learning budget has been capped at an arbitrary level for ten years.
The community learning budget has been capped at an arbitrary level for ten years. Community learning funding is overly bureaucratic; an average community learning provider may have to negotiate up to ten different funding streams, all with different rules and … Read more
Government Response
78. The principal purpose of the AEB is to engage adults and provide the skills and learning they need to equip them for work, an apprenticeship or further learning. Community … Read more
Department for Education
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31 Recommendation
Third report - A plan for an adult…
The Department must make the case for a three-year funding settlement for community learning at...
The Department must make the case for a three-year funding settlement for community learning at the next spending review. The Department should review and consolidate the many community learning funding streams to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy for providers. (Paragraph 83) Employer-led … Read more
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32 Conclusion
Third report - A plan for an adult…
Employer investment in training is in decline, with low paid, low skilled workers hardest hit...
Employer investment in training is in decline, with low paid, low skilled workers hardest hit by the decline. A skills tax credit to incentivise employers to invest in training for workers with no or low qualifications will help to revitalise … Read more
Government Response
84. As part of the current tax system, training expenditure for directors and employees can be claimed as a deduction when calculating taxable business profits, provided that it helps improve … Read more
Department for Education
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33 Recommendation
Third report - A plan for an adult…
The Government must support employers to invest in the development of their workforces.
The Government must support employers to invest in the development of their workforces. The Government should introduce a skills tax credit, for employers who invest in training for workers. This should be tapered so that the tax credit is more … Read more
Department for Education
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34 Conclusion
Third report - A plan for an adult…
The Union Learning Fund is a crucial programme for delivering workplace training.
The Union Learning Fund is a crucial programme for delivering workplace training. It has a strong track record of proven effectiveness and should be treated in line with other training providers in both the public and private spheres. It has … Read more
Government Response
89. The UK is facing a significant challenge on skills. The impact of covid-19 has compounded the already rapid rate of change of our economy and it is clear that … Read more
Department for Education
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35 Recommendation
Third report - A plan for an adult…
We recommend that the Department reverse its decision to cease funding for the Union Learning...
We recommend that the Department reverse its decision to cease funding for the Union Learning Fund. To ensure public money is spent as equitably as possible, participation targets should be set mandating that Union Learning funds are split 50/50 between … Read more
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36 Conclusion
Third report - A plan for an adult…
Part-time higher education student numbers have been decimated, and numbers of part-time learners from the...
Part-time higher education student numbers have been decimated, and numbers of part-time learners from the most disadvantaged backgrounds fell by 42% between 2010 and 2015. Flexible part-time university study is a key route for delivering a highly skilled workforce and … Read more
Government Response
93. The Department agrees that mature students need to study flexibly, and we have taken a number of steps over recent years to encourage more flexible learning, including greater support … Read more
Department for Education
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37 Conclusion
Third report - A plan for an adult…
The Department must act to stem the decline in part-time higher education.
The Department must act to stem the decline in part-time higher education. Promoting access for part-time students from the most disadvantaged backgrounds must be a priority. Means-tested fee grants should be instated for part-time students from the most disadvantaged backgrounds … Read more
Government Response
93. The Department agrees that mature students need to study flexibly, and we have taken a number of steps over recent years to encourage more flexible learning, including greater support … Read more
Department for Education
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38 Conclusion
Third report - A plan for an adult…
Degree apprenticeships are crucial to boosting the productivity of this country, providing an important route...
Degree apprenticeships are crucial to boosting the productivity of this country, providing an important route to higher education qualifications and bringing more students from disadvantaged backgrounds into higher education.
Government Response
99. Higher, level 6 plus and degree apprenticeships are an important part of our education and skills system, supporting productivity and driving social mobility by providing people of all backgrounds … Read more
Department for Education
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39 Recommendation
Third report - A plan for an adult…
All higher education institutions should offer degree apprenticeships.
All higher education institutions should offer degree apprenticeships. The Department and the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education should set out a plan for speeding up the expansion of degree apprenticeship provision in priority skill sectors. Read more
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40 Conclusion
Third report - A plan for an adult…
Current Equivalent or Lower Qualification (ELQ) funding restrictions are a barrier for adults seeking to...
Current Equivalent or Lower Qualification (ELQ) funding restrictions are a barrier for adults seeking to reskill. Higher level skills at levels 4, 5 and 6 are key to unlocking productivity, and a relaxation of ELQ rules is a fundamental strand … Read more
Government Response
103. The Skills and Productivity Board has recently been established as an expert committee, tasked with providing independent, evidence-based advice to ministers at the Department for Education on matters relating … Read more
Department for Education
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41 Recommendation
Third report - A plan for an adult…
We recommend that the Department identify courses at levels 4, 5 and 6 which meet...
We recommend that the Department identify courses at levels 4, 5 and 6 which meet the skills needs of the UK economy. Equivalent or Lower Qualification funding restrictions must then be removed for those courses. (Paragraph 108) Combined and local … Read more
Department for Education
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42 Conclusion
Third report - A plan for an adult…
The new UK Shared Prosperity Fund offers an opportunity to improve on the design and...
The new UK Shared Prosperity Fund offers an opportunity to improve on the design and administration of European Structural Investment Funds in relation to the funding of adult skills. Cross-government working will be critical to delivering the cross-cutting agenda this … Read more
Government Response
109. Following EU exit, the Government has committed to replacing European Structural Funds via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). To help local areas prepare over 2021– 22 for the … Read more
Department for Education
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43 Conclusion
Third report - A plan for an adult…
Funding for the education and skills and employability strands of the new UK Shared Prosperity...
Funding for the education and skills and employability strands of the new UK Shared Prosperity Fund must at least match those of their predecessor funds, and no region A plan for an adult skills and lifelong learning revolution 53 should … Read more
Government Response
109. Following EU exit, the Government has committed to replacing European Structural Funds via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). To help local areas prepare over 2021– 22 for the … Read more
Department for Education
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44 Conclusion
Third report - A plan for an adult…
Devolution of the Adult Education Budget has enabled Mayoral Combined Authorities to develop locally responsive...
Devolution of the Adult Education Budget has enabled Mayoral Combined Authorities to develop locally responsive adult skills strategies. We heard that devolution should go further. The benefits of skills devolution should not be confined purely to those areas that happen … Read more
Government Response
115. We recognise that local areas have a role to play in mapping, commissioning and delivering adult skills and lifelong learning. We have taken the approach to do this in … Read more
Department for Education
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45 Recommendation
Third report - A plan for an adult…
We recommend that local authorities are awarded powers and funding to take on an enhanced...
We recommend that local authorities are awarded powers and funding to take on an enhanced statutory role for mapping, commissioning and delivering adult skills and lifelong learning. The Department must carry out a comprehensive review of the powers and funding … Read more
Department for Education
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Correspondence 1 letter
3 Nov 2020 To committee Letter from the Under Secretary of State for Apprenticeships and Skills, following her appearance before the Committee on 29 September 2020, dated 16 October 2020
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