The Department for Education (DfE) has scrapped its plans to end funding for adult education courses that are not directly linked to employment outcomes.

In its consultation on adult education funding and accountability, the DfE had removed an objective that said non-qualification provision could ‘support health and wellbeing, integration and community development’.

This would have seen non-qualification learning focused on outcomes of employment or further learning, which the Local Government Association (LGA) said was ‘not realistic’ for all learners.

Respondents to the consultation raised concerns about the loss of the wider benefits of learning.

In its response, the DfE said it was still ‘ensuring the Adult Skills Fund is primarily focused on progression into employment’ but said the fund could ‘also support wider outcomes such as social-well-being and improved mental health’.

Cllr Kevin Bentley, chairman of the LGA’s people and places board, said: ‘It is great news for all those in adult education that the Government has decided to continue funding for courses beyond just focusing on employment, recognising the wider benefits that community learning brings, which we and other bodies such as Holex have been calling for.

‘These vital courses help people to develop some of life’s essentials, such as building confidence, how to manage household budgets, family learning, studying English and gaining digital skills.

‘They are also first steps which lead to further learning and help to fill gaps in in-demand roles, including teaching, social care, nursing and many others.’