The Learning and Skills Council is working closely with businesses, colleges, community leaders and training providers to raise skill levels in local communities. Further education colleges are playing a crucial role in bringing communities together. This includes providing English for speakers of other languages courses, which underpin broader efforts to ensure community cohesion. The LSC is also working closely with local authorities through local area agreements and multi area agreements to ensure that skills provision is better aligned to local need. This local focus will be carried through to the Skills Funding Agency where local colleges and providers will work with the SFA and other key partners to respond quickly to the needs of local communities.