§ Mr. ColemanTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment by what mechanisms sub-regional private/public partnerships which have previously been supported by TECs will be sustained after March 2001. [127564]
§ Mr. WicksWe have asked all TECs to produce transition plans which set out strategies for taking forward partnership work extending beyond March 2001, including what steps need to be taken to fill the gaps which may be left by the withdrawal of TEC support. Government Offices are in discussion with TECs about these plans.
The new Learning and Skills Council (LSC) will have an important role in ensuring learning and skills form an integral part of wider economic regeneration plans. Through provisions we are adding to the Learning and Skills Bill, each local LSCs will have to include in its annual plan a statement of how its activities will impact on the economic development and regeneration of the area.
In addition we are making arrangements with the Regional Development Agencies to help support some types of partnerships from April 2001.