Buckinghamshire is taking direct control of its adult education budget after securing a £6 million devolution deal from the government. This shift allows the local authority to bypass central government bureaucracy, targeting specific gaps in the local labor market and ensuring that training aligns with the needs of regional employers.
📌 Key Highlights
* Direct local control over £6 million in Adult Skills funding.
* Focus on residents aged 19 and over seeking to upskill or retrain.
* Priority sectors include AI, Green Energy, and Construction.
* Funding aimed at improving English, maths, and digital literacy.
Local control over adult education priorities
The devolution of the Adult Skills Fund marks a transition from national oversight to local management. By managing these funds directly, the council can now commission courses that reflect the economic reality of the region. This includes new funding for retraining designed to help residents move into high-growth industries or progress in their current careers.
Adult Skills funding supports a wide range of learning, from essential qualifications in English and maths to vocational training. The goal is to drive productivity by ensuring the workforce possesses the specific competencies required by local businesses.
| Priority Sector | Focus Areas |
|---|---|
| Technology | AI, Digital Skills, Cybersecurity |
| Infrastructure | Construction, Net Zero, Engineering |
| Community | Health, Social Care, Early Years |
| Professional | Leadership, Management, Work Readiness |
Targeted investment for Buckinghamshire industries
In its first year of operation, the devolved system will focus on sectors where skills shortages are most acute. This includes the construction industry and the burgeoning net-zero sector, alongside critical needs in social care and early years education.
Steven Broadbent, Leader of Buckinghamshire Council, stated that having direct control means the authority can decide exactly where the money makes the greatest impact. He noted that the deal is designed to ensure people have the opportunity to thrive while providing a boost for local businesses looking to hire skilled workers.
“We will build on the strong foundations already in place by working closely with training providers, colleges, employers and local organisations,” Broadbent added. “Devolving these powers allows us to make informed, local choices that deliver real outcomes for our residents and our businesses.”
The council plans to use the funding to support those who find it hardest to enter the workforce, offering tailored pathways into employment through work-readiness programs and leadership training.
Source: Buckinghamshire Council
