Purpose

The Cabinet is being asked to approve the
proposed approach to commissioning and implementing Adult Skills
Fund provision in Surrey following devolution of the Fund in 2026,
thereby improving the quality, availability and impact of ASF
provision for employers and residents.
The report will also seek Cabinet’s support for receiving
post-16 capital funding (available to Surrey from 2026/27) and the
draft framework for allocating that funding.

Content

RESOLVED:
 

That Cabinet notes progress towards devolution of adult
education functions and associated funding, namely the Adults
Skills Fund and post-16 capital funding
That Cabinet agrees to receive
Surrey's allocation of devolved post-16 capital funding from the
Department for Education, expected to be £7.7 million in
2026/27 and a similar amount in 2027/28
That Cabinet endorses
Surrey’s proposed approach to commissioning adult skills
provision, including strategic priorities and core principles that
will guide investment, noting that a detailed process will be
finalised once final ministerial
approval for devolution of adult education functions has been given
and Surrey’s funding allocation for 2026/27
confirmed

That Cabinet notes the commitment made to the
Department for Education to secure permanent
skills resourcing once final ministerial approval to proceed
with devolution has been provided, and agrees to the proposal to
retain up to 6% of Surrey’s annual Adult Skills Fund
allocation to secure the resources required to
discharge adult education functions and associated funding legally
and effectively

 
Reasons for
Decisions:
 
Devolution of adult education functions and
associated funding will strengthen Surrey’s ability to shape
the local workforce and skills market, tailoring provision to local
priorities.
 
In line with the freedoms and flexibilities
afforded by devolution, the recommendations in this report seek to
secure and make effective use of adult education functions and
resources – ultimately with a view to enabling adults in
Surrey to gain the confidence and skills they need to secure
meaningful employment and progress in their careers.
 
(The decisions on
this item can be called-in by the Communities, Environment and
Highways Select Committee)