HC Deb 25 October 2001 vol 373 c325W
20. Mr. Ben Chapman

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will make a statement on learning and skills councils. [6708]

Margaret Hodge

The Learning and Skills Council and its 47 local arms became fully operational from April 2001. Significant progress has been made by the LSC to develop its strategic framework for the period to 2004, with the publication of its first corporate plan at the end of July. The plan includes key objectives and targets for 2004. This is providing the foundation for local strategic plans and business plans, which are now being developed by the local councils in consultation with key local and regional partners.