BIS statement on NAO 'Overseeing financial sustainability in the further education sector' report
Government response to National Audit Office report 'Overseeing financial sustainability in the further education sector' 20 July 2015.
We are committed to developing a further education system which creates a productive, innovative and competitive workforce for the 21st century. The NAO report correctly highlights where we have already taken action to provide young people with the skills they need and to deliver greater value for money within the sector. Furthermore we are already implementing many of the report’s recommendations and will be going even further to strengthen the system by giving local areas a greater say over how and what young people are taught. These ongoing reforms are focused on achieving the best return on investment and we will provide up to an additional £25 million this financial year to help support the creation of 3 million apprenticeships by 2020. Only by providing businesses with the skilled workforce they need can we boost economic growth and drive productivity and prosperity for the whole country.