The 21 Connexions partnerships that subcontract services have been restructuring since a reduction in VAT support by the Department for Education and Skills came into force in April this year.
Seven partnerships are moving to a direct delivery model. Essex, Southend and Thurrock; Derbyshire; and Norfolk have taken on staff previously employed by subcontractors. Humber, Bedfordshire and Luton, Berkshire, and South Central plan to follow suit in this current financial year.
Connexions London West has gone for a federated structure, with six local authorities working as one lead body (YPN, 19 May, p3). The rest of the subcontracting partnerships are linking up with local authorities.
