Adult education functions are currently funded by the Secretary of State for Education under the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 (“the 2009 Act”). The Secretary of State has power under s105A of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 to transfer functions to Combined Authorities.
The Secretary of State wishes to transfer additional power to combined authorities so that, if they wish, they can use their Adult Skills Fund budget to fund new high-quality technical qualifications from 2025, alongside the other qualifications that are already available to them.
This proposed amendment is to be introduced via the Combined Authorities (Adult Education Functions) (Amendment) Order 2018 (see appendix 1) would give additional funding powers under Section 100(1B) of the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 to the WMCA.
This new power will support the further development of the WMCA’s ambitions to deliver good foundation level 2 skills offer and upskilling and re-skilling at level 3 and above as set out in its Employment and Skills Strategy approved at WMCA Board in 2024.
This funding power will not be applicable for adults aged under 25 who are in receipt of an Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan, as they will continue to be funded from the 16 to 19 budget, nor will it apply to adults in detention, as they are funded by the Ministry of Justice.