In any LSP area, the LSC is the largest funder of training and education for people aged over 16. It has a significant role to play in implementing 14-19 educational reforms, working with local authorities to ensure that a full range of curriculum choices are available. (During 2005-06 Black Country Learning and Skills Council will be spent over £200 million on supporting local people to gain new skills and helping employers to develop their workforce to ensure a successful future for the Black Country.)
It shares LSP interests in developing and implementing adult learning strategies, including improving access to education and training, increasing social inclusion, and developing the skills and knowledge of residents, practitioners, etc, who deliver neighbourhood services.
LSCs have a budget for Neighbourhood Learning in Deprived Communities, to support voluntary and community organisations in developing their capacity to deliver learning for residents of disadvantaged neighbourhoods (this has been a relatively small amount of capital and revenue funding in Dudley, managed through a Steering Group reporting to the Dudley Learning Partnership).
Cross-cutting interests include equal opportunities, inclusive learning, community cohesion, and sustainable development.
Drivers
LSC targets (set by the Secretary of State for Education) link to Public Service Agreement targets through a national Performance and Resource Agreement. The LSC aims to achieve a synthesis between its national targets and local targets. It has its own performance measurement system under development.
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