Apprenticeship Levy should be 'retained locally'

24/04/2019 | DOMINIC BROWNE

The Apprenticeship Levy should be retained locally as part of moves to support 'local productivity deals' between councils and key businesses, a leading think tank has suggested.

A new report from Localis Prosperous Communities, Productive Places suggests local authorities should work with 'local economic anchors' to secure commitments on anything from regular meetings to detailed economic agreements.

These would have a wider social value aspect, helping boost jobs, wages, infrastructure and housing supply to prevent residents being priced out of their own areas through so-called ‘doughnut economies’.

This is where the wages of residents remain far lower than those of the commuters who journey into their areas to work with major local firms.

A local levy?

One part of this would be further devolution of skills funding under the Apprenticeship Levy to help councils work with businesses on local qualifications.

'Where funding is available, local businesses should be able to shape its investment. The recent flexibility for the Apprenticeship Levy to be used in supply chains is welcome, but greater control of source funding to promote, scale supply and deliver skills provision matched to local need should be provided. The potential to develop local qualifications with business should be explored,' the report states.

'Empowerment of strategic authorities to oversee the levy collected within their area would enable oversight of digital accounts, monitoring take-up in key sectors, direction of unutilised levy to fund local apprenticeships and the tailoring of activities linked to LIS [Local Industrial Strategies]. Meanwhile, places must use the powers they have to make the system work for them as best as possible.'

Highways has revealed that billions remains unclaimed by employers as the 24-month rolling deadline on accessing funds approaches.

Local authorities could help co-ordinate a local public sector innovation offer for companies signing up to deals 'providing greater access to data, markets and finance, skills supply chain development and spatial planning'.

There is also a case study of how a local productivity deal might work between West Sussex Council, which commissioned the report, and Gatwick airport.

The report also states: 'Devolution to non-metropolitan areas of spatial planning and skills should be an urgent priority for Government. A step-change is needed in devolution in non-metropolitan areas.'

Gatwick case study

'A productivity and prosperity deal between Gatwick and West Sussex County Council would establish a new way of way of working to support both the economic and social prosperity of the county.

'The aim is balance place and community prosperity with business productivity, realising a 'balanced scorecard' for both business and residential communities.'

West Sussex County Council Economic Growth Plan 2018-2033

Priority objectives are areas for action are defined:

• We will develop a stronger business proposition in a wide zone of opportunity around Gatwick.

• We will work with partners to unlock and enable space for growing businesses around Gatwick and in the north east of the county.

• We will support West Sussex residents to benefit from opportunities arising in and around Gatwick

• We will ensure the town centres are business and visitor ready.

• We will work with partners to secure infrastructure investment to enable business and productivity growth in the north east of the county

Specific measures of success are likely to include:

  • increased business count / business count per 1,000 residents
  • increased proportion of employment in higher value business and professional services
  • higher resident and workplace earnings
  • commercial floor space built every year

Highways InProfile

latest magazine issue
Highways jobs

Senior Professional and Technical Officer Level 2

BG11 £37,336 - £39,186
We are looking for a dynamic, technically competent, experienced Technician for this role within the Strategic Highways Maintenance Team. Bristol
Recruiter: Bristol City Council

Senior Professional and Technical Officer Level 1

BG10 £33,024 - £36,648
We are looking for a dynamic and competent person for this role within the Strategic Highways Maintenance Team. Bristol
Recruiter: Bristol City Council

Works Technician

£35,399 plus 15% UHA
The Works Technician is responsible for ensuring that the London Trams civils and off-track infrastructure is maintained. Croydon (City/Town), London (Greater)
Recruiter: Transport for London

Highways Operative x2 - WMF1499e

£27,711 - £28,624
We are looking to recruit Highways Operatives to our Highways Service. Barrow in Furness, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Community Infrastructure Manager

£44,711 to £48,710 p.a. plus benefits
The successful applicant will lead and project manage specific infrastructure projects and assist the Climate Change & Natural Environment Manager. Cambridgeshire
Recruiter: East Cambridgeshire District Council

Assistant Service Manager (Vehicle Workshop)

Grade 9 £31,344 - £33,253 per annum
We are looking for a highly motivated Assistant Service Manager. Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

HGV/LGV Technician

£28,797 - £30,708 per annum
We are looking for a highly motivated Vehicle Mechanic to join our County Transport team. Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Light Vehicle Technician County Transport – Ambergate Workshops

£28,797 - £30,708 per annum
We are looking for a highly motivated Light Vehicle Technician Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Light Vehicle Technician / MOT Tester

£14.93 - £15.92 per hour
We are looking for a highly motivated Light Vehicle Technician/MOT Tester Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Transportation Officer (Career Grade 8-9) x 2

£34,314 - £40,476
Wakefield is a growing district, with significant housing and employment developments being progressed. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recruiter: Wakefield Council

Streetworks Co-ordination Supervisor

£34,314.00 - £37,035.00, Grade 8, 37 hours, Permanent
This post will be responsible for a team of 4 Co-ordinators who manage and permit works on the public highway. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recruiter: Wakefield Council

Engineer - Bridges

£34,314 - £44,711.
Some working from within watercourses will be required. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recruiter: Wakefield Council

Highway Maintenance Engineer

Band F, SCP 26-31 (£36,124 - £40,476 per annum)
We have an exciting opportunity available within the Highways Service at Sandwell Council based at Oldbury. Sandwell, West Midlands
Recruiter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

Principal Arboricultural Consultant

£46165 - £54312 per annum + Hybrid Working, Local Gov Pension
Place Services is a multi-disciplinary consultancy within Essex County Council providing environmental and planning services to the Council, local a England, Essex, Chelmsford
Recruiter: Essex County Council

Highways Area Surveyor

£37,938 - £40,476 per annum
Are you a problem solver and enjoy working with a wide variety of people? Warwick, Warwickshire
Recruiter: Warwickshire County Council

Deputy Team Leader - Transport Planning

£51,093 - £55,155 pa
To invest in our borough, we know that we also need to invest in our people. Romford, London (Greater)
Recruiter: Havering London Borough Council

Principal Engineer| Structures and Drainage

£49,764 - £53,887 Per annum
Here at Lancashire County Council, we are helping to make Lancashire the best place to live, work, visit and prosper. Lancashire
Recruiter: Lancashire County Council

Flood Risk Officer

£38,626 to £41,511 per annum
You will be passionate about delivering our Flood Risk Management Strategy Rutland
Recruiter: Rutland County Council

Highways and Streetworks Inspector

£33,366 to £35,235 per annum
You will be working closely with other Highway officers and teams to ensure the network is kept in a safe condition. Rutland
Recruiter: Rutland County Council

Travel Planning Assistant

Grade 6 £27,269 to £30,060 per annum
We have a part time opportunity available as a Travel Planning Assistant to join our Integrated Passenger Transport Team. Durham (County)
Recruiter: Durham County Council
SUBSCRIBE NOW

Latest Video

Subscribe to Highways today to ensure you keep your finger on the pulse of everything happening in the UK road network throughout the year.

SUBSCRIBE NOW