The transfer, which has been anticipated by councils for more than two years, signals the closure of the Learning and Skills Council (LSC), which previously commissioned post-16 learning provision. Local authorities will now also be responsible for the education of young people in custody and disabled young people with learning difficulties and disabilities up to the age of 25, both of which used to be handled by the LSC.
Three new quangos will partially replace the LSC. They are: The Young People's Learning Agency (YPLA), which will supply funds to councils for 16-19 year olds; The Skills Funding Agency, which will deal with adult education; and the National Apprenticeship Service, which will resource apprenticeships.
Peter Lauener, chief executive of the YPLA, said his organisation would support local authorities to carry out their new functions. "[The YPLA] will ensure local commissioning decisions are made within a consistent national framework, secure national budgetary control and provide a strategic analysis service to local authorities, which will support better opportunities for young people," he said.
John Merry, leader of Salford City Council and YPLA board member, said the transfer would improve post-16 education. "Councils can use their local knowledge of opportunities available to the advantage of young people in their region," he said.
A spokesman for the Association of Learning Providers warned that the transfer still poses a challenge for learning providers, who worked closely with the LSC, but have less established relationships with councils. But he added: "As far as the mechanics of the transfer are going, we're very happy."
As well as controlling councils' budgets for 16-19, the YPLA will also have responsibility for the funding, support and challenge of open academies, which used to be dealt with by the Department for Children, Schools and Families.
