Purpose

The provide an overview of the Council’s Adult and Community Learning Service and to seek approval for two key funding proposals for the 2026/27 academic year, including:
1. Approval to take up and spend Adult Skills Funding (ASF) for Community Learning in Bristol and North Somerset.
2. Approval to make minor changes to our Adult Learning Fees Policy.

Decision

The Committee (unanimously) RESOLVED:

1. 1.             To authorise the Director of Education, Inclusion and Skills in consultation with the Chair of the Economy and Skills Committee to take all steps required to negotiate with WECA and the ESFA to accept and spend all Adult Skills, Tailored Learning streams of up to £2m to deliver the Community Learning programmes outlined in this report. 
2. 2.             To note the potential risks to Bristol Adult and Community Learning provision due to the future changes to MCA adult skills and tailored learning commissioning.
3. 3.             To approve the Adult Learning Service Fees Policy for 2026/27 at Appendix A and as set out in this report.