Source · Select Committees · Northern Ireland Affairs Committee
Recommendation 10
10
Acknowledged
We understand the importance of education and skills in growing Northern Ireland’s economy and providing...
Recommendation
We understand the importance of education and skills in growing Northern Ireland’s economy and providing jobs for people in all parts of society. Therefore, we recommend that current and future Government investment, through the UKSPF and City and Growth Deals for example, at least match existing EU funding in this area and take account of the Executive’s skills strategy and NI’s growth sectors to address the skills gap. We also note the dissatisfaction towards the apprenticeship levy in Northern Ireland, where businesses do not see an identifiable return on their contributions. The Government must work with the Executive to ensure that the money which businesses contribute to the apprenticeship levy is ringfenced, so it is used for its intended purpose. (Paragraph 60) Creating a sustainable and equal economy
Government Response Summary
The government states that skills and inclusive growth are key to City and Growth Deals in NI, and that 'People and Skills' is a core UKSPF investment priority, but does not commit to matching EU funding.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
Skills and inclusive growth are a key element of the City and Growth Deal programme in Northern Ireland and local partners are considering how best to shape this element of each Deal. Together with the Northern Ireland Executive departments, the Government will endeavour to support Deals to find complementarity with existing skills and training initiatives so that we can create a pipeline of talented people across multiple growth sectors. ‘People and Skills’ is one of the core UKSPF investment priorities. The UKSPF Investment Plan outlines the key interventions to be funded, making clear the Government’s intention to support those in need of upskilling as well as those who need support to be economically active. In addition, the UKSPF-funded Multiply programme aims to help transform the lives of adults across the UK by improving their functional numeracy skills.