Issue - meetings

(Lead Member: Cllr J. Lewis, Director: Brian Archer)

Resolved: That the Combined Authority:

Noted progress made so far in Year 1 with AEB delivery and plans to improve the efficacy of the funds in year 2.

Approved the two Funding rule amendments proposed at 2.17.

The Combined Authority considered a report of the Director of Economic Services updating Members on progress with the devolved Adult Education budget and seeking approval for two planned flexibilities which constitute a departure from the published West Yorkshire AEB Strategy.

The Mayor introduced the report and the aims of the Adult Education budget to support 55,000 learners through a range of educational programmes.

Members welcomed the support provided by the Adult Education Budget, and highlighted the need for flexibility to address skills shortages across the region and particularly for bus drivers. Officers confirmed that support hass been provided to training partners to deliver bus driver training, and that 100% of the participants in such training had been successful in entering a bus driving job.

Members questioned the availability of future funding and requested feedback form learners regarding their experience. Officers confirmed that future funding is available as the budget is devolved to the region, and that feedback is regularly obtained from learners.

Resolved:

(a) That progress made so far in Year 1 with AEB delivery and plans to improve the efficacy of the funds in year 2 be noted.

(b) That the two Funding rule amendments as set out at paragraph 2.17 of the submitted report be approved.