COUNCILLOR WELCOMES LOCAL CONTROL OF POST 16 EDUCATION FUNDING (York Liberal Democrats)

York Liberal Democrats <info@yorklibdems.org.uk>

COUNCILLOR WELCOMES LOCAL CONTROL OF POST 16 EDUCATION FUNDING

March 16, 2009 12:06 AM

City of York Council's Executive Member and Advisory Panel (EMAP) for Learning, Culture and Children's Services has approved plans that will see York working with 3 neighbouring Local Authorities to take responsibility for changes to education services for 14 to 19 year olds.

In 2007, the government announced a number of changes to the way education is provided to 14 to 19 year olds, including the transfer of funding for post-16 education to local authorities.

City of York Council has since worked with East Riding of Yorkshire Council, North Yorkshire County Council and Hull City Council to submit an initial proposal to the government setting out how they can work together as a 'North and East Yorkshire Sub Regional Grouping' to meet the needs of young people.

Last week at the Learning, Culture and Children's Services EMAP Councillors approved a joint submission from all four authorities to the government for the second stage of the process.

The changes will mean York's Leisure Culture and Children's Services directorate will be responsible for a much larger budget and will have more control over education services for 14 to 19 year olds.

Liberal Democrat Executive Member for Children and Young People's Services, Councillor Carol Runciman said the changes presented a great opportunity to engage more young people in education and reduce the numbers not in education or employment.

She said, ""It is important that local providers of education and training work together rather than compete. As young people now have to stay in some sort of provision past the age of 16yrs, it is essential that there is a strategic approach, coordinated across the area."

"I have always been a great believer in local decision making and giving Local Authorities control over funding for post 16 education will allow us to tailor provision to local needs, rather than being told by Whitehall what they think is best. This is a great opportunity to get the provision for young people right in York as well as across the surrounding areas. "

Councillors also heard how the new diploma courses for students entering year 10 will be extended in September to provide an even wider range of subject to choose from.