Speculation over the future of the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) remains rife, with no firm date for the handover of its financial responsibilities to councils. Local government minister, John Healey, this week indicated the transfer of sixth form funding back to LEAs would not occur for at least another 12 months. Plans to shift funding for sixth forms, sixth form colleges and the contribution of FE colleges to the 14-19 age group from LSCs back to LEAs' ring-fenced education budgets were announced in the Treasury's sub-national review last week. But Mr Healey told The MJ it was ‘unlikely' the transfer would occur by the next financial year 2008/9. He said the Department of Children, Schools and Families was looking at what legislation might be needed. He added: ‘The important thing is that we have signalled it will happen.' The Local Government Association said it was awaiting further news of an announcement, but previously welcomed the devolution of funding to councils, adding that there was a need for discussion with the DCSF to make it work (The MJ, 5 July 2007).
