Today, the Mayor of London and London Councils have called for more devolution and funding from central government to go towards skills and employment in the capital.
In response, Jennette Arnold OBE AM, Chair of the London Assembly Education Panel, said:
“We welcome this call to action. It is important to secure the future of London’s children by equipping them with useful qualifications and appropriate skills for employment.
“In a changing economy, it is important that London employers have the skilled workers they need to be successful in a challenging business environment.
“Equally, it is vital that local communities and those from disadvantaged backgrounds get the opportunities to be able to equip themselves with the skills and experience they need to enter and prosper in the London labour market.
“Devolution of funding from central government to London government will help to ensure locally how best resource can be shared amongst London’s communities. For example, it is good the Adult Education Budget has been delegated to Mayor, however, it is right he should continue to lobby for even more powers.
“Inequality is still an issue in the capital, however, providing tailored assistance for young people on a local level will go a long way. The Education Panel will explore the inequality of outcomes for children in its meeting on Thursday 19th September.”
Notes to editors
- Jennette Arnold OBE AM, Chair of the Education Panel, is available for interview – see contact details below.
- Education Panel
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
For media enquiries, please contact Funmi Olutoye on 020 7084 2713. For out of hours media enquiries, call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the London Assembly duty press officer. Non-media enquiries should be directed to the Public Liaison Unit on 020 7983 4100.