Question to the Department for Education:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the report by City & Guilds Group Act Now, published on 2 November; and what steps they are taking to allow more autonomy regarding skills funding for mayoral combined authorities.

Currently, approximately 50% of the Adult Education Budget (AEB) is devolved to 7 Mayoral Combined Authorities (MCAs) and the Mayor of London, acting where appropriate through the Greater London Authority (GLA). These authorities are now responsible for the provision of AEB-funded adult education for their residents and the allocation of the AEB to training providers. MCAs and the GLA are responsible for considering any flexibilities to their funding rules in their respective areas.

Devolving the AEB enables MCAs/GLA to directly support adults in developing the skills that local employers need, reducing skills shortages, boosting productivity and economic prosperity, and improving wellbeing in communities.

We are committed to open dialogue with MCAs, the GLA and other sector stakeholders on how best skills provision and reforms can be shaped to fit the needs of local areas. However, there are no plans for further skills funding devolution at this present time.