Decision Maker: Strategy and Resources Policy Committee

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: April 30, 2025

Purpose:

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.