We set out in “World Class Skills: Implementing the Leitch Review of Skills in England” our plans to consider how best to deliver the functions and services that support the further education system, building on the progress made with the Learning and Skills Council over recent years in developing a demand-led approach. In taking forward these changes, the Government will work closely with key stakeholders, including the LSC, HEFCE, RDAs and Sector Skills Councils, to ensure any necessary new arrangements are introduced with minimal impact to learners, employers and providers. We will announce in due course proposals for how we will review the funding and accountability framework to best support initiative and high performance.
As regards the brokerage service offered as part of the Train to Gain programme, the Sub-National Review published on 17 July made clear the Government’s view that a single brokerage service is the simplest way for business to access government support. However, the Government are currently consulting on business support simplification. The conclusions of this consultation will be available to the Government by the time of the Comprehensive Spending Review, allowing the Government to give effect to any changes on the provision of brokerage services by April 2009.