The Government has confirmed plans to scrap the Learning and Skills Councils (LSC) and make local authorities responsible for young people's education. In a White Paper published this week, the Department for Children, Schools and Families said councils would be given £7bn to deliver the reforms necessary with the LSC is abolished in 2010. Councils will then become commissioners for higher education, and schools minister, Jim Knight, said local authorities would be able to work together to reach agreements with colleges. The Government will also set up the Skills Funding Agency, with an annual budget of £4bn. ‘Local authorities are in the best place to respond to the needs of young people locally,' said secretary of state, Ed Balls. ‘So, by giving them responsibility for the funding we are putting the final pieces in place to ensure they can offer this choice. They are already responsible for schools, are advising young people, and are being given new duties to ensure that the right range of provision is in place for young people to continue in education and training until 19.' The announcement was welcomed by both the LGA and the Association of Directors of Children's Services (ADCS). Said ADCS joint president, John Freeman: ‘This will enable genuine and effective integration of service delivery, particularly in the vital 14-19 age range, as schools, colleges and employers start to deliver diplomas and apprenticeships alongside GCSE and other courses, and as the participation age is increased to 18. ‘The changes bring exciting opportunities for local authorities to work together, regionally and sub-regionally, to secure effective and efficient provision across local authority boundaries.'
