Decision details

The Skills Funding Agency, enternal funders of Community Learning Service, has introduced Minimum Contract Levels of £500,000 from 1 August 2011.  Funding for Community Learning Service falls below this threshold, therefore the Skills Funding Agency will no longer directly contract with Bath and North East Somerset Council for 2011/12.

The Cabinet Member agrees that the Skills Funding Agency allocation for informal adult learning is transferred from Bath and North East Somerset Community Learning Service to the City of Bath College with effect from 1 August 2011.

Designated Community Learning Service staff are transferred to the City of Bath College under TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings – Protection of Employment) arrangements with effect from 1 August 2011.

Options have been explored and an analysis undertaken regarding the most feasible in terms of securing value for money, best provision of adult learning opportunities for the people of Bath and North East Somerset, limiting the number of staff at risk and affordability.

To become a sub-contractor of Bristol City Council Community Learning Service with the Skills Funding Agency allocation going directly to Bristol.  This option was rejected as there would be insufficient funds to support a sub-contracted delivery model.

To relinquish funding altogether.  This option was rejected as there would be a resulting loss of informal adult learning provision for the area.  All staff posts would become redundant.