Local authority leaders have welcomed the launch of the Government’s £165m skills fund but say councils should be given more powers and resources to help people into employment.

The Local Skills Improvement Fund will be used to renovate facilities with up-to-date equipment, help to upskill teachers, and deliver new courses in key subjects such as green construction.

Minister for skills, apprenticeships and higher education Robert Halfon said: ‘This funding will revolutionise how we plug local skills gaps and provide a boost to the economy. Supporting colleges to better meet the needs of local employers not only boosts businesses, it extends the ladder of opportunity to even more people from all backgrounds who will be equipped with the skills they need to secure a rewarding job close to home.’

The Local Government Association (LGA) welcomed the fund but said that councils should be given more powers and resources over employment and skills funding.

Cllr Kevin Bentley, chairman of the LGA’s People and Places Board, said: ‘[E]ach area has its own unique labour market including a mix of jobs, qualification levels, unemployment and vacancies. This short-term, competitive fund will help, but people need joined up local support, including training and vocational careers advice to go into long-term, sustainable employment.

‘We need to move away from a top-down, centralised approach. Given the right powers and resources over employment and skills funding for every place, councils could build on their track record of helping get people back into work – including those who are furthest from the jobs market – and plugging growing skills gaps.’

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