Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
Recommendation 67
67
Deferred
Increase adult education and skills funding to meet demand and align with national missions
Recommendation
Funding for adult education and skills must increase to meet demand and to ensure that those over the age of 19 are able to participate in, and benefit from, the Government’s national missions. The Government must assess demand for adult education and increase funding over the period of the current Comprehensive Spending Review to align with the Government’s missions. We expect Skills England to set out a clear articulation of the resources that are needed and to advocate within Government for increased funding. (Recommendation, Paragraph 244)
Government Response Summary
The government states the recommendation is 'UNDER REVIEW,' deferring to Skills England to provide data and analysis to inform future funding decisions, while clarifying that major funding decisions remain with government ministers.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
UNDER REVIEW Skills England will play a key role in supporting informed decisions on funding priorities by providing timely, relevant and high-quality data and analysis. As outlined in Skills England’s recently updated remit letter, this will include labour market intelligence, stakeholder engagement insights, and performance metrics. Skills England’s evidence will help ensure that funding allocations are responsive to economic needs, skills gaps, and employer demand. Skills England’s role in funding decisions aligns with the government’s position on the purpose of arm’s-length bodies. This makes clear that there is a role for arm’s length bodies in providing independent advice. However, major decisions that affect the country and the public should be taken by government ministers accountable to Parliament.