London calls for more powers to boost further education

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, and London Councils have called on government to devolve more powers and funding for skills and employment to City Hall and London boroughs.

With Brexit and technology cited as reasons, London wants to be given the powers it needs to be able to respond to changing skills requirements.

A document sent by the Mayor and London Councils to Ministers outlines that by taking charge of more elements of the skills and education system, City Hall and London boroughs could deliver programmes in a more streamlined, impactful way.

Cllr Georgia Gould, Deputy Chair of London Councils and executive member for Skills and Employment said: “London is a city built on the boundless creativity, talent, and ambition of the people who live, work, and study here. But all too often, Londoners are being held back from unlocking the opportunities generated on their doorsteps by a lack of skills and available training. It’s a problem which impacts every area of people’s lives, undermining their wellbeing, trapping them in low pay, and stifling career progression. We need to change the way that we approach this challenge by focusing on individuals and creating localised, people-centred systems of support.

“London boroughs are uniquely placed to lead this task, harnessing their role as convenors of place to knit together provision and bring together partners, businesses and communities in support of shared goals."