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Skills and training opportunities for adults across Surrey are set to have greater local oversight and control as part of wider efforts to grow the \u2026<\/p>\n
Surrey prepares for devolution of adult education functions<\/a><\/p>\n Skills and training opportunities for adults across Surrey are set to have greater local oversight and control as part of wider efforts to grow the regional economy.<\/p>\n Surrey County Council\u2019s Cabinet this week reviewed progress towards the devolution of adult education functions and related funding from central government.<\/p>\n Commitment to transfer these functions was secured as part of the county deal agreed in 2024 and forms part of the government\u2019s wider devolution agenda.<\/p>\n Council leaders this week endorsed the proposed approach, which will see some responsibilities and funding currently held by the Department for Education transferred locally.<\/p>\n Surrey\u2019s total adult education package for the next financial year is close to \u00a320 million.<\/p>\n The majority \u2013 \u00a311.2 million for the 2026\/27 academic year \u2013 is made up of the\u00a0Adult Skills Fund<\/a>. This is the main adult education budget for those aged 19 and over and designed to equip adults with the skills needed for meaningful, sustained employment and career progression.<\/p>\n A further \u00a3887,000 will support the\u00a0Free Courses for Jobs<\/a>\u00a0scheme, providing Level 2 and Level 3 courses for low-earners and those currently out of work. \u00a3180,000 of this is ring-fenced to construction.<\/p>\n Ministers have approved the transfer of adult education responsibilities for the next academic year, with formal parliamentary approval expected in the coming weeks.<\/p>\n Cabinet also agreed to receive Surrey\u2019s allocation of devolved post-16 capacity funding, estimated to be \u00a37.7 million for each of the next two years. This will fund capital improvements to classrooms and teaching spaces, ensuring future learner demand can be met.<\/p>\n The council will now create local guidance for how Surrey \u2013 as a designated devolved area \u2013 will allocate the post-16 capital funding. Full details will be published soon.<\/p>\n