Laura Sharman 11 January 2018

Councils call for improvement to Apprenticeship Levy

Councils should be allowed to spend the money returned from the Apprenticeship Levy beyond the two-year deadline, according to the Local Government Association (LGA).

The call comes as new research shows that more than half of employers currently paying the levy want it replaced with a training levy.

A survey by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development found 53% of employers would prefer a training levy, compared with just 17% supporting the apprenticeship levy in its current form.

The LGA said the Apprenticeship Levy needs improvements in order to reach its full potential.

Cllr Sir Richard Leese, chair of the LGA’s City Regions Board, said: 'Currently the Apprenticeship Levy costs around £207m a year to local government, with a commitment that the money returned be spent within two years and against standards outlined by the Government.

'However, as the Government is aware, key standards, such as teaching and social care, for local authority workforces will not be accessible until September 2018, so is vital that councils have sufficient time beyond the two years deadline to spend the Levy against these standards to promote apprenticeships at a local level.

'The Government should use the Apprenticeship Levy review to enable local areas to pool contributions, loosen restrictions, which could include a broader range of training, ensure all underspend goes back to local areas where it is raised and fully devolve the apprenticeships system to combined authorities to direct at a local level.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Residential Assistant

Essex County Council
£25081.00 - £25395.00 per annum
Residential AssistantPermanent, Full Time£25,081 up to £25,395 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior Planning Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 11 £39,513 to £43,693 Grade 12 £42,708 to £46,731 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
Durham County Council is looking for experienced and knowledgeable Senior Planning Officers to join our vibrant Development Management team. Our team Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Head of Service – Social Care

Wrexham County Borough Council
G15 £63,148 - £67,058 per annum
There is an exciting opportunity within Children Social Care to join the senior management team Wrexham (Wrecsam)
Recuriter: Wrexham County Borough Council

Head of Service Social Work & Specialist Support

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
Grade M scp 60 £72,118 - scp 64 £77,293
There couldn’t be a more exciting time to join us. Blackburn, Lancashire
Recuriter: Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council

Cafe Assistant - Weald Country Park

Essex County Council
Up to £13.3000 per hour
Café Assistant (Weald Country Park)Contract
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner