As set out in “Machinery of Government: Departmental Organisation”, in order to provide strong strategic leadership for the 14-19 phase, overall planning responsibilities for that phase will transfer to the Department for Children, Schools and Families, as will all funding for 14-19 learners. Subject to consultation on the details and timing, to ensure there is no disruption to schools, colleges and training providers and the introduction of new diplomas, and the need to pass the necessary legislation, funding for school sixth forms, sixth form colleges and the contribution of FE colleges to the 14-19 phase will transfer from the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) to local authorities’ ring-fenced education budgets. No decisions have yet been made about the proportion of LSC funding which will transfer to local authorities’ ring-fenced education budgets and I estimate that it will be 2010/11 when the necessary legislative changes can take effect. In the three years until then, the LSC retains the legal responsibility for securing and funding all forms of post-16 education and training outside higher education, including 16-19 provision. We will be working closely with the LSC and other national partners, along with schools, colleges and training providers, to ensure that the changes are well managed, including any impact on the deployment of staff.