Key information
Request reference number: MGLA200225-0618
Date of response:
Summary of request
Request:
I am requesting information on how mayoral combined authorities (MCAs) manage exemptions to subcontracting limits for further education and skills funding. This request is made for journalistic purposes, and I do not hold a particular view on whether subcontracting is beneficial or detrimental. However, I have heard from providers who feel that national subcontracting limits have negatively impacted the sector’s ability to deliver high-quality education in the most effective way. I will, of course, contact your media team with a full enquiry before publishing any news story, as would always be expected.
For each year since your authority took on devolved control of adult education funding (or since the subcontracting exemption policy was introduced, if later), please provide annual data on:
- Whether your authority has its own rules or policies regarding exemptions to the 25% subcontracting limit for:
- Adult education budget (AEB) funded training (19+ training provision)
- Apprenticeships
- Any other relevant funding streams under your control - The number of providers that applied for an exemption to subcontract beyond this limit each year.
- The number of providers granted such an exemption in each year.
- The total value of subcontracted provision under these exemptions, or the nearest available estimate based on forecasts submitted by providers.
- Whether any providers have been granted a complete exemption from the subcontracting limit, if applicable.
Additionally, regarding 16-19 training provision, while this remains under national policy, I would be grateful if you could confirm whether you collect or hold any relevant data on exemptions within your region.
Response:
I can confirm that the GLA holds the information within scope of your request.
The GLA does not apply a subcontracting limit and therefore has no exemption arrangements.
Details of the funding arrangements for ASF including subcontracting, can be found here: Information for Adult Skills Fund providers | London City Hall
If you have any further questions relating to this matter, please contact me, quoting the reference MGLA200225-0618.