Buckinghamshire secures £6 million of government adult skills funding through devolution
Buckinghamshire Council has welcomed formal confirmation of the devolution deal it has put to the government, bringing £6 million of Adult Skills funding to the county.
It means the council will directly control this money, marking a significant milestone in its ambition to deliver a locally led skills system that responds directly to the needs of local residents, employers and communities.
The deal represents a major step forward in devolved decision-making for Buckinghamshire, enabling the council to take greater control locally and ensure that funding decisions are shaped by the specific needs of Buckinghamshire’s residents, employers and communities.
Adult Skills funding supports learning and training for adults aged 19 and over, helping people to gain essential qualifications, improve core skills such as English, maths and digital, and access vocational courses that enable them to retrain or upskill. With devolved control of this funding, Buckinghamshire Council can now tailor provision more closely to local priorities and opportunities, supporting people to move into work, remain in employment or progress in their careers. This locally led approach will support inclusion, improve productivity and drive economic growth and prosperity across the county.
Steven Broadbent, Leader of Buckinghamshire Council, said:
“Having direct control of Adult Skills funding means we can decide how and where this money is spent, ensuring it is invested in projects, schemes and courses that will make the greatest difference locally. This will help our residents access good, local employment and builds on the strong work already underway across the county.
“Fundamentally, this deal is about ensuring people in Buckinghamshire have the opportunity to gain the skills they require to thrive. It is also a real boost for local businesses, as we can focus investment on upskilling local people to meet demand right here in Buckinghamshire.”
The devolved funding allows the council to commission high-quality courses that align closely with employer needs, support key growth industries and reflect local priorities. This includes helping to fill skills gaps and supporting people who find it hardest to get work.
In the first year of devolution, commissioning will focus on priority areas where skills needs are most clearly evidenced locally. These include English and maths, digital skills and artificial intelligence, health, social care and early years, net zero, construction, work readiness, and leadership and management.
Steven added:
“We will build on the strong foundations already in place by working closely with training providers, colleges, employers and local organisations. Devolving these powers and spending decisions directly to Buckinghamshire Council allows us to maximise the benefits of this funding and make informed, local choices that deliver real outcomes for our residents, our businesses and our county.”