Content

10.1

The General Counsel presented a report stating
that currently South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA), and other
devolved authorities, do not have the powers to deliver technical
qualifications (T Levels) as part of their devolved Adult Skills,
therefore a parliamentary Order is being laid to transfer these
powers to Mayoral Combined Authorities (MCAs) from the Department
for Education. The consent of SYMCA, and that of the constituent
local authorities of Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield
is required to enable this. This report seeks the consent of
Sheffield City Council to the making of the
Order.

 

 

10.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That Strategy and
Resources Policy Committee gives Sheffield City Council’s
consent to the making of The Combined Authorities (Adult Education
Functions) (Amendment) Order 2025.

 

 

10.3

Reasons for Decision

 

 

10.3.1

Currently 25% of
Level 3 enrolments across SYMCA funded Adult Skills provision are
for courses that are being replaced by T Levels next Academic Year
(starting 1st August 2025). Transfer of powers to SYMCA in May 2025
cannot proceed without consent of SYMCA and the Local Authorities,
and in event of consent not being possible, it is unlikely transfer
of powers could occur prior to January 2026, as this would require
a separate parliamentary order to be laid which would likely be
post Summer recess. This would impact on
the courses available to learners for the next academic
year.

 

 

10.4

Alternatives Considered and
Rejected

 

 

10.4.1

The only alternative option is for Sheffield City Council to
withhold its consent. This was rejected as there is no
justification for it and the effect would be to delay access to new
technical qualifications for adult learners across South
Yorkshire.