The mayor of London has urged the Government to devolve adult education funding to the capital or risk undermining its long-term recovery from the pandemic.
Analysis by City Hall shows London’s adult education funding has halved since the global financial crisis of 2008.
Mayor Sadiq Khan is calling for London’s adult education funding to be restored to 2008 levels - up to £640m – alongside a wider devolution package.
Mayor Khan, said: 'London’s adult education budget has halved since the 2008 recession – now is the moment for the Government to reverse that damage and devolve more adult education funding to our city to support our recovery.'
He has provided 91 skills providers with £10m to create Covid-secure facilities and ensure learners can access courses remotely.
Cllr Clare Coghill, London Councils’ executive member for skills and employment, said: 'We are making the case to Government for an increased adult education budget alongside far more ambitious skills devolution so London boroughs and the mayor can work with local skills providers to fully support people from all walks of life to navigate a challenging time and emerge ready to seize new opportunities and power the rebuilding of London’s economy.'
