The Government have set out the details of the transfer of £7 billion to local authorities to help colleges and sixth forms deliver the reforms needed to raise the education and training leaving age to 18
At the same time Government will direct £4 billion a year through a new agency to provide training and skills for adults, transforming the system to be responsive and demand-led.
The proposals are published by the Department for Children, Schools and Families and the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills in a white paper, Raising Expectations: Enabling the system to deliver.
The plans will mean the dissolution of the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) by 2010 and instead make local authorities responsible for offering all young people in their area a full menu of choices - both the new Diplomas and Apprenticeships alongside GCSEs and A levels.