Issue - meetings

This report summarises the key policy and funding changes for the Adult and Community Education Service for 2011/12.  The Executive Member is asked to approve priorities for the service and measures to ensure the service is able to operate effectively within the available funding.

RESOLVED:            (i)            That the service priorities, as set out in paragraph 9 of the

report, be approved.

                        (ii)            That the measures to address the budget, as set out in

                                    paragraph 10 and 12, be approved.

                        (iii)            That the development of a full cost programme, as set out

                                    in paragraph 13 of the report, be approved.

REASON:      To provide a strategic steer and ensure a viable Adult and Community Education Service for 2011/12.

The Executive Member received a report that summarised the key policy and funding changes for the Adult and Community Education Service for 2011/12.  The Executive Member was asked to approve priorities for the service and measures to ensure that the service was able to operate effectively within the available funding.

Officers drew attention to the implications of the reduction in concessionary funding for people on means tested benefits.  They also informed the Executive Member that proposed changes to funding and eligibility for ESOL programmes would mean that only those learners on employment related benefits would be eligible for reduced fees.  Efforts were being made to mitigate the impact. The Executive Member expressed her regret regarding the proposed changes to funding and eligibility for ESOL and stated that she hoped that the challenges that were being made at a national level would have an impact.

Referring to the full cost programme, the Executive Member stated that she was encouraged by the take-up of the courses on offer and congratulated officers on the comprehensive programme, and on the ways in which the opportunities were promoted.

RESOLVED: (i)         That the service priorities, as set out in paragraph 9 of the

report, be approved.

                        (ii)        That the measures to address the budget, as set out in

                                    paragraph 10 and 12, be approved.

                        (iii)       That the development of a full cost programme, as set out

                                    in paragraph 13 of the report, be approved.

REASON:      To provide a strategic steer and ensure a viable Adult and Community Education Service for 2011/12.