Third report - A plan for an adult skills and lifelong learning revolution

The government accepts the need for an ambitious, long-term strategy, outlining its "Skills for Jobs White Paper" and the Lifelong Loan Entitlement to promote flexible, modular learning. However, it does not specifically commit to the four detailed pillars proposed by the committee.

The government acknowledges the value of modular learning, highlighting existing flexible provisions and committing to making the Lifelong Loan Entitlement (from 2025) usable for modules at higher technical and degree levels (4-6). It does not explicitly commit to developing modular offers and a funding approach for all levels as recommended.

The government states it is continuing to invest in adult education through the AEB and highlights the National Skills Fund and Level 3 Adult Offer as substantial investments. However, funding beyond 2021-22 will be considered as part of a wider Spending Review later in the year.

The government plans to introduce a Lifelong Loan Entitlement from 2025, offering a loan equivalent to four years of post-18 education to be used over a lifetime, which aligns with individual control but differs from the recommended grant-funded Individual Learning Accounts scheme; details will be consulted on later.

The government announced plans to introduce a Lifelong Loan Entitlement from 2025, providing individuals with a loan entitlement equivalent to four years of post-18 education, rather than the recommended Individual Learning Accounts. They will consult on the details of this and the National Skills Fund.

The government highlights existing data collection for adult learning and its close work with MHCLG, including on the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. However, it does not commit to a new mapping and publication of community learning centres or a specific ambitious plan for provision, deferring future funding considerations to a spending review.

The government acknowledges the need for flexible learning and highlights existing support for part-time students. It plans to introduce the Lifelong Loan Entitlement from 2025 to enable more flexible and part-time study, but defers the extension of maintenance loans for distance learners pending a review.

The government has established the Skills and Productivity Board to identify courses meeting UK economy skill needs. Regarding Equivalent or Lower Qualification (ELQ) funding restrictions, it will consult on amending them as part of the Lifelong Loan Entitlement, which is set to be introduced from 2025.

The government commits to matching EU receipts for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, averaging £1.5 billion a year, and involves devolved administrations and local communities in its governance. However, it indicates direct UK Government investment rather than full devolution of funding allocation to combined authorities.

The government acknowledges the role of local areas, citing the devolution of AEB to Mayoral Combined Authorities, and plans to pilot Local Skills Improvement Plans involving Chambers of Commerce and set up a new Strategic Development Fund, but does not commit to awarding specific statutory powers and funding to all local authorities or conducting a comprehensive review of their role.