“It is great news for all those in adult education that the Government has decided to continue funding for courses beyond just focusing on employment, recognising the wider benefits that community learning brings, which we and other bodies such as Holex have been calling for."
Responding to the Government’s decision to reverse plans to end funding for adult education courses which are not directly linked to employment outcomes, Cllr Kevin Bentley, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s People and Places Board, said:
“It is great news for all those in adult education that the Government has decided to continue funding for courses beyond just focusing on employment, recognising the wider benefits that community learning brings, which we and other bodies such as Holex have been calling for.
“These vital courses help people to develop some of life’s essentials, such as building confidence, how to manage household budgets, family learning, studying English and gaining digital skills. They are also first steps which lead to further learning and help to fill gaps in in-demand roles, including teaching, social care, nursing and many others.
“This is especially important for those out of work for a long time, including due to health conditions or who need more support to update their skills and qualifications.
“Streamlining adult education funding and making it more long-term is positive. For this to have impact, we must accelerate efforts for a local adult learning offer - which councils are ideally placed to coordinate - working with education providers and employers, to plan ahead with more certainty and respond to changing local labour market needs. The Government must also urgently review the inflationary pressures on skills budgets, to keep people learning and in training.
“Providing people with the means to upskill and increase their opportunities will be ultimately how we boost growth, spread prosperity and help to level up the country.”
Notes to Editors