The devolution of adult education functions will mean greater local oversight and control over skills and training opportunities for over 18s in Surrey. In time, this could have a big impact on your business while supporting wider efforts to grow the regional economy.
Surrey County Council’s Cabinet this week reviewed a paper setting out progress towards the devolution of adult education functions and related funding from central government.
Commitment to transfer these functions was secured as part of the County Deal agreed in 2024. It also forms part of the government’s wider devolution agenda.
Council leaders this week endorsed the proposed approach, which will see some responsibilities and funding currently held by the Department for Education transferred locally.
Surrey’s total adult education package for the next financial year is close to £20 million.
Devolution of adult education functions – what’s involved?
The majority – £11.2 million for the 2026/27 academic year – is made up of the Adult Skills Fund. This is the main adult education budget for those aged 19 and over. It’s designed to equip adults with the skills needed for meaningful, sustained employment and career progression.
A further £887,000 will support the Free Courses for Jobs scheme. This provides Level 2 and Level 3 courses for low-earners and those currently out of work. About £180,000 of this is ring-fenced to construction.
Ministers have approved the transfer of adult education responsibilities for the next academic year. Formal parliamentary approval is expected in the coming weeks.
Cabinet also agreed to receive Surrey’s allocation of devolved post-16 capacity funding. It’s estimated to be £7.7 million for each of the next two years. This will fund capital improvements to classrooms and teaching spaces, ensuring future learner demand can be met.
The council will now create local guidance for how Surrey – as a designated devolved area – will allocate the post-16 capital funding. Full details will be published soon.
A further round of Skills Bootcamps has also been agreed for the next financial year. This ensures hundreds of Surrey residents will receive free fast-track training in growing sectors.
How can training providers get involved?
Further education and other training providers can find out more about the opportunities are invited to a webinar on March 16.
This will provide details of the planned approach to allocating funding and include a Q&A session.
There will also be an update on the new Local Skills Improvement Plan (2026-29) for Surrey. This will be published later this year.
The plan sets out the county’s skills needs, bringing employers and other partners together to co-create solutions for driving economic growth, including adult skills provision. In line with guidance for devolved areas, the county council is jointly producing this with Surrey Chambers of Commerce.
For further information or to register interest in attending the webinar, contact economy.growth@surreycc.gov.uk. Or get in touch via our Contact Us form.
