The Leader of the Council, Councillor George Finch, accepted the devolution of Adult Skills Funding powers to Warwickshire County Council. This decision was made under urgency procedures due to strict legislative timetables.

Accepting the Devolution of Adult Skills Funding

Councillor George Finch, Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Children & Families, has formally accepted the devolution of Adult Skills Funding powers to Warwickshire County Council. This significant step is part of the Level 2 Devolution Deal agreed with the government in March 2024. The decision authorises the Chief Executive to agree the draft regulations that will transfer these powers and to consent to their making on behalf of the Council.

The devolution of the Adult Skills Fund, which is expected to be approximately £7.6 million annually, will allow the Council to directly allocate and manage funding for adult education and skills training from the academic year 2026/27. This fund supports several statutory entitlements for eligible adult learners, including English and maths qualifications up to level 2, first full qualifications at level 2 and 3 for 19-23 year olds, and essential digital skills qualifications. It also funds traineeships, community learning, and support for learners facing barriers to education.

The decision was made under urgency procedures because the Council needed to provide its consent to the draft regulations by 15 January 2026 to meet the Department for Education's legislative timetable. The Council successfully passed the Department for Education's Readiness Criteria in December 2025, demonstrating it had the necessary policies and procedures in place to manage the devolved fund. The urgency was deemed necessary to avoid serious prejudice to the Council and the public interest, as any delay would prevent the Council from securing these devolved powers and funding control.

The Warwickshire County Council (Adult Education Functions) Regulations 2026 will be made under section 16 of the Cities and Local Government Devolution Act 2016¹. The Department for Education intends to lay these regulations before Parliament in February 2026, with the process expected to conclude by June 2026.