19 March 2008

Media Response to Government White Paper 'Raising Expectations'

In response to the Government White Paper 'Raising Expectations' (released on 17/03/08), which will see the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) dissolved in 2010 and replaced by two new agencies, Steven Broomhead, Chief Executive of the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), the lead RDA on skills, said:

"RDA’s have enjoyed a good and productive relationship with the LSC in driving up the skills base of the region and whilst we value this work we welcome the announced changes from the Government. The ability to become even more involved strategically driving the ever changing skills agenda forward at a regional level offers exciting opportunities to create a world-class skills base.

Especially welcome are the opportunities for our local authority partners to have more strategic control over young people’s learning, giving the ability to respond to local demand and regional need.  RDA’s co-chairing the Regional Planning Forums will be an exciting new development, strengthening relationships with our local authority partners and allowing for co-ordinated planning that will form a firm foundation for developing the regions’ skill base.

We will continue to support and work closely with LSC colleagues during this transitional period and look forward to working closely with our local authority partners around the new arrangements to build world class skills for our regions."