The Combined Authorities (Adult Education Functions) (Amendment) Order 2025
This order amends existing orders governing nine Combined Authorities in England, granting them powers under the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 to provide financial resources for approved technical education qualifications and steps towards occupational competence.
These powers are not applicable to apprenticeships or individuals under 19 or under 25 with an Education, Health and Care Plan.
The order received approval from each House of Parliament and involved prior public consultation.
Arguments For
Intended benefits: The order expands the powers of Combined Authorities, allowing them to better support technical education and skills development within their regions. This could lead to improved economic well-being and opportunities for residents.
Evidence cited: The order cites the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 as the legal basis for its creation and the consent of the relevant Combined Authorities.
Implementation methods: The order amends existing Combined Authorities Orders, integrating the new power directly into their legal frameworks.
Legal/historical basis: The order is rooted in the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 and the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009, reflecting existing legislation on adult education and skills.
Arguments Against
Potential impacts: The transfer of powers could potentially lead to inconsistencies in funding and provision across different Combined Authority regions.
Implementation challenges: The integration of the new powers into existing Order frameworks may require administrative adjustments and resource allocation within the Combined Authorities.
Alternative approaches: There could be alternative methods, such as direct funding from the central government, to achieve similar outcomes.
Unintended effects: The specific exclusions for certain age groups (under 19 and under 25 with EHC plans) may create unintended bureaucratic hurdles or gaps in support for individuals in need.
The Secretary of State makes this Order in exercise of the powers conferred by sections 105A(1)(a), (2)(a), (3)(b), 114(1) and 117(5) of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 (“the 2009 Act”). In accordance with section 105B(1)(b) and (2) of the 2009 Act the following Combined Authorities and each of their respective constituent councils have consented to the making of this Order— (a) the Greater Manchester Combined Authority; (b) the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority; (c) the West of England Combined Authority; (d) the West Midlands Combined Authority; (e) the Tees Valley Combined Authority; (f) the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority; (g) the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority; (h) the West Yorkshire Combined Authority; (i) the North East Mayoral Combined Authority. The Secretary of State considers that in accordance with sections 105B(1)(b), 113(1)(a) and (aa) of the 2009 Act, the making of this Order is— (a) likely to improve the economic, social and environmental well-being of some or all of the people who live or work in the areas to which this Order relates; and (b) appropriate having regard to the need to secure effective and convenient local government, and to reflect the identities and interests of local communities. A public consultation has been carried out in accordance with section 113(1)(b) and (2) of the 2009 Act. In accordance with section 105B(9) of the 2009 Act, the Secretary of State has laid a report before Parliament explaining the effect of this Order and why the Secretary of State considers it appropriate to make this Order. A draft of this Order has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament pursuant to section 117(2) of the 2009 Act.
This introductory section establishes the legal basis for the order, citing relevant sections of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009.
It notes the consent of nine Combined Authorities and their constituent councils.
The Secretary of State justifies the order's creation by stating it promotes economic, social, and environmental well-being, supports effective local government, and reflects local community interests.
A public consultation was undertaken, and a report on the order was submitted to Parliament.
- Citation, commencement and extent (1) This Order may be cited as the Combined Authorities (Adult Education Functions) (Amendment) Order 2025 and comes into force on the day after the day on which it is made. (2) This Order extends to England and Wales.
This section details the order's official title, effective date (the day after it's enacted), and geographical scope (England and Wales).
- Amendment of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (Adult Education Functions) Order 2018 (1) The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (Adult Education Functions) Order 2018 is amended as follows. (2) In article 4— (a) in paragraph (1)— (i) for “paragraph (2)” substitute “paragraphs (2), (2A) and (2B)”; (ii) omit the “and” after sub-paragraph (a); (b) after paragraph (1)(b), insert— ; and (c) section 100(1B) (provision of financial resources in connection with approved technical education qualifications or approved steps towards occupational competence).; (c) in paragraph (2), omit sub-paragraph (a) and the “or” after it; (d) after paragraph (2) insert— (2A) The functions mentioned in paragraph (1)(a) and (b) do not include any function relating to apprenticeship training. (2B) The function mentioned in paragraph (1)(c) does not include any function relating to a person who, at the time of starting a course of study for an approved technical education qualification or starting to take approved steps towards occupational competence, is— (a) aged under 19; or (b) aged under 25 for whom an EHC Plan is maintained. (2C) In paragraph (2B), an “EHC Plan” means a plan within the meaning of section 37(2) of the Children and Families Act 2014. (3) In the Schedule, after paragraph 6(b) insert— (ba) in subsection (1B), for the reference to “Secretary of State” there were substituted “Combined Authority”;
This section outlines specific amendments to the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (Adult Education Functions) Order 2018.
It modifies Article 4 by adding references and a new sub-paragraph (c) relating to funding for technical education.
Also clarifies the funding is only provided to individuals 19 and over or individuals over 25 without an Education, Health and Care Plan, and specifies that 'Combined Authority' replaces 'Secretary of State' the Schedule.
- Amendment of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (Adult Education Functions) Order 2018 (1) The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (Adult Education Functions) Order 2018 is amended as follows. (2) In article 4— (a) in paragraph (1)— (i) for “paragraph (2)” substitute “paragraphs (2), (2A) and (2B)”; (ii) omit the “and” after sub-paragraph (a); (b) after paragraph (1)(b), insert— ; and (c) section 100(1B) (provision of financial resources in connection with approved technical education qualifications or approved steps towards occupational competence).; (c) in paragraph (2), omit sub-paragraph (a) and the “or” after it; (d) after paragraph (2) insert— (2A) The functions mentioned in paragraph (1)(a) and (b) do not include any function relating to apprenticeship training. (2B) The function mentioned in paragraph (1)(c) does not include any function relating to a person who, at the time of starting a course of study for an approved technical education qualification or starting to take approved steps towards occupational competence, is— (a) aged under 19; or (b) aged under 25 for whom an EHC Plan is maintained. (2C) In paragraph (2B), an “EHC Plan” means a plan within the meaning of section 37(2) of the Children and Families Act 2014. (3) In the Schedule, after paragraph 6(b) insert— (ba) in subsection (1B), for the reference to “Secretary of State” there were substituted “Combined Authority”;
This section mirrors the previous one, but applies the same amendments to the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (Adult Education Functions) Order 2018.
It adds funding powers for technical education with exclusions regarding age and EHC Plans and replaces Secretary of State with Combined Authority in the Schedule.
- Amendment of the West of England Combined Authority (Adult Education Functions) Order 2018 (1) The West of England Combined Authority (Adult Education Functions) Order 2018 is amended as follows. (2) In article 4— (a) in paragraph (1)— (i) for “paragraph (2)” substitute “paragraphs (2), (2A) and (2B)”; (ii) omit the “and” after sub-paragraph (a); (b) after paragraph (1)(b), insert— ; and (c) section 100(1B) (provision of financial resources in connection with approved technical education qualifications or approved steps towards occupational competence).; (c) in paragraph (2), omit sub-paragraph (a) and the “or” after it; (d) after paragraph (2) insert— (2A) The functions mentioned in paragraph (1)(a) and (b) do not include any function relating to apprenticeship training. (2B) The function mentioned in paragraph (1)(c) does not include any function relating to a person who, at the time of starting a course of study for an approved technical education qualification or starting to take approved steps towards occupational competence, is— (a) aged under 19; or (b) aged under 25 for whom an EHC Plan is maintained. (2C) In paragraph (2B), an “EHC Plan” means a plan within the meaning of section 37(2) of the Children and Families Act 2014. (3) In the Schedule, after paragraph 6(b) insert— (ba) in subsection (1B), for the reference to “Secretary of State” there were substituted “Combined Authority”;
This section applies the same amendments as sections 2 and 3 to the West of England Combined Authority (Adult Education Functions) Order 2018.
It adds funding powers, excludes certain age groups and apprenticeship training, and replaces 'Secretary of State' with 'Combined Authority' in the Schedule.
- Amendment of the West Midlands Combined Authority (Adult Education Functions) Order 2018 (1) The West Midlands Combined Authority (Adult Education Functions) Order 2018 is amended as follows. (2) In article 4— (a) in paragraph (1)— (i) for “paragraph (2)” substitute “paragraphs (2), (2A) and (2B)”; (ii) omit the “and” after sub-paragraph (a); (b) after paragraph (1)(b), insert— ; and (c) section 100(1B) (provision of financial resources in connection with approved technical education qualifications or approved steps towards occupational competence).; (c) in paragraph (2), omit sub-paragraph (a) and the “or” after it; (d) after paragraph (2) insert— (2A) The functions mentioned in paragraph (1)(a) and (b) do not include any function relating to apprenticeship training. (2B) The function mentioned in paragraph (1)(c) does not include any function relating to a person who, at the time of starting a course of study for an approved technical education qualification or starting to take approved steps towards occupational competence, is— (a) aged under 19; or (b) aged under 25 for whom an EHC Plan is maintained. (2C) In paragraph (2B), an “EHC Plan” means a plan within the meaning of section 37(2) of the Children and Families Act 2014. (3) In the Schedule, after paragraph 6(b) insert— (ba) in subsection (1B), for the reference to “Secretary of State” there were substituted “Combined Authority”;
This section repeats the amendments from sections 2, 3, and 4, this time for the West Midlands Combined Authority (Adult Education Functions) Order 2018.
The same changes regarding funding, age exclusions, and replacing the 'Secretary of State' are implemented here.
- Amendment of the Tees Valley Combined Authority (Adult Education Functions) Order 2018 (1) The Tees Valley Combined Authority (Adult Education Functions) Order 2018 is amended as follows. (2) In article 4— (a) in paragraph (1)— (i) for “paragraph (2)” substitute “paragraphs (2), (2A) and (2B)”; (ii) omit the “and” after sub-paragraph (a); (b) after paragraph (1)(b), insert— ; and (c) section 100(1B) (provision of financial resources in connection with approved technical education qualifications or approved steps towards occupational competence).; (c) in paragraph (2), omit sub-paragraph (a) and the “or” after it; (d) after paragraph (2) insert— (2A) The functions mentioned in paragraph (1)(a) and (b) do not include any function relating to apprenticeship training. (2B) The function mentioned in paragraph (1)(c) does not include any function relating to a person who, at the time of starting a course of study for an approved technical education qualification or starting to take approved steps towards occupational competence, is— (a) aged under 19; or (b) aged under 25 for whom an EHC Plan is maintained. (2C) In paragraph (2B), an “EHC Plan” means a plan within the meaning of section 37(2) of the Children and Families Act 2014. (3) In the Schedule, after paragraph 6(b) insert— (ba) in subsection (1B), for the reference to “Secretary of State” there were substituted “Combined Authority”;
This section applies the consistent amendments to the Tees Valley Combined Authority (Adult Education Functions) Order 2018, adding funding provisions, specifying exclusions for age groups and apprenticeships, and replacing 'Secretary of State' with 'Combined Authority' references in the Schedule.
- Amendment of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (Adult Education Functions) Order 2018 (1) The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (Adult Education Functions) Order 2018 is amended as follows. (2) In article 4— (a) in paragraph (1)— (i) for “paragraph (2)” substitute “paragraphs (2), (2A) and (2B)”; (ii) omit the “and” after sub-paragraph (a); (b) after paragraph (1)(b), insert— ; and (c) section 100(1B) (provision of financial resources in connection with approved technical education qualifications or approved steps towards occupational competence).; (c) in paragraph (2), omit sub-paragraph (a) and the “or” after it; (d) after paragraph (2) insert— (2A) The functions mentioned in paragraph (1)(a) and (b) do not include any function relating to apprenticeship training. (2B) The function mentioned in paragraph (1)(c) does not include any function relating to a person who, at the time of starting a course of study for an approved technical education qualification or starting to take approved steps towards occupational competence, is— (a) aged under 19; or (b) aged under 25 for whom an EHC Plan is maintained. (2C) In paragraph (2B), an “EHC Plan” means a plan within the meaning of section 37(2) of the Children and Families Act 2014. (3) In the Schedule, after paragraph 6(b) insert— (ba) in subsection (1B), for the reference to “Secretary of State” there were substituted “Combined Authority”;
This section makes the same amendments to the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (Adult Education Functions) Order 2018 as in the previous sections, adding funding capabilities, age and apprenticeship exceptions, and replacing 'Secretary of State' with 'Combined Authority' references within the Schedule.
- Amendment of the Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield Combined Authority (Functions and Amendment) Order 2020 (1) The Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield Combined Authority (Functions and Amendment) Order 2020 is amended as follows. (2) In article 7— (a) in paragraph (1)— (i) for “paragraph (2)” substitute “paragraphs (2), (2A) and (2B)”; (ii) omit the “and” after sub-paragraph (a); (b) after paragraph (1)(b), insert— ; and (c) section 100(1B) (provision of financial resources in connection with approved technical education qualifications or approved steps towards occupational competence).; (c) in paragraph (2), omit sub-paragraph (a) and the “or” after it; (d) after paragraph (2) insert— (2A) The functions mentioned in paragraph (1)(a) and (b) do not include any function relating to apprenticeship training. (2B) The function mentioned in paragraph (1)(c) does not include any function relating to a person who, at the time of starting a course of study for an approved technical education qualification or starting to take approved steps towards occupational competence, is— (a) aged under 19; or (b) aged under 25 for whom an EHC Plan is maintained. (2C) In paragraph (2B), an “EHC Plan” means a plan within the meaning of section 37(2) of the Children and Families Act 2014. (3) In Schedule 1, after paragraph 5(b) insert— (ba) in subsection (1B), for the reference to “Secretary of State” there were substituted “Combined Authority”;
This section applies the same amendments observed in prior sections to the Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield Combined Authority (Functions and Amendment) Order 2020.
It adds funding powers related to technical education, specifies exclusions for age groups and apprenticeship training, and alters references for 'Secretary of State' to 'Combined Authority' in Schedule 1.
- Amendment of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (Election of Mayor and Functions) Order 2021 (1) The West Yorkshire Combined Authority (Election of Mayor and Functions) Order 2021 is amended as follows. (2) In article 7— (a) in paragraph (1)— (i) for “paragraph (2)” substitute “paragraphs (2), (2A) and (2B)”; (ii) omit the “and” after sub-paragraph (a); (b) after paragraph (1)(b), insert— ; and (c) section 100(1B) (provision of financial resources in connection with approved technical education qualifications or approved steps towards occupational competence).; (c) in paragraph (2), omit sub-paragraph (a) and the “or” after it; (d) after paragraph (2) insert— (2A) The functions mentioned in paragraph (1)(a) and (b) do not include any function relating to apprenticeship training. (2B) The function mentioned in paragraph (1)(c) does not include any function relating to a person who, at the time of starting a course of study for an approved technical education qualification or starting to take approved steps toward occupational competence, is— (a) aged under 19; or (b) aged under 25 for whom an EHC Plan is maintained. (2C) In paragraph (2B), an “EHC Plan” means a plan within the meaning of section 37(2) of the Children and Families Act 2014. (3) In Schedule 1, after paragraph 6(b) insert— (ba) in subsection (1B), for the reference to “Secretary of State” there were substituted “Combined Authority”;
This section similarly amends the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (Election of Mayor and Functions) Order 2021.
The identical amendments related to funding for technical education, age and apprenticeship exclusions, and replacement of references for 'Secretary of State' with 'Combined Authority' in Schedule 1 are implemented.
- Amendment of the North East Mayoral Combined Authority (Establishment and Functions) Order 2024 (1) The North East Mayoral Combined Authority (Establishment and Functions) Order 2024 is amended as follows. (2) In article 30— (a) in paragraph (1)— (i) for “paragraph (2)” substitute “paragraphs (2), (2A) and (2B)”; (ii) omit the “and” after sub-paragraph (a); (b) after paragraph (1)(b), insert— ; and (c) section 100(1B) (provision of financial resources in connection with approved technical education qualifications or approved steps towards occupational competence).; (c) in paragraph (2), omit sub-paragraph (a) and the “or” after it; (d) after paragraph (2) insert— (2A) The functions mentioned in paragraph (1)(a) and (b) do not include any function relating to apprenticeship training. (2B) The function mentioned in paragraph (1)(c) does not include any function relating to a person who, at the time of starting a course of study for an approved technical education qualification or starting to take approved steps towards occupational competence, is— (a) aged under 19; or (b) aged under 25 for whom an EHC Plan is maintained. (2C) In paragraph (2B), an “EHC Plan” means a plan within the meaning of section 37(2) of the Children and Families Act 2014. (3) In Schedule 3, after paragraph 6(b) insert— (ba) in subsection (1B), for the reference to “Secretary of State” there were substituted “Combined Authority”;
This final section amends the North East Mayoral Combined Authority (Establishment and Functions) Order 2024 with the same pattern of changes as in the preceding sections.
Funding for technical education is added, while specific age groups and apprenticeship training are excluded, and 'Secretary of State' is replaced by 'Combined Authority' in Schedule 3.
Smith of Malvern Minister of State Department for Education 16th July 2025
This section provides the signatory information for the order: the Minister of State from the Department for Education, and the date of signing.
Explanatory Note (This note is not part of the Order) This Order amends the following Orders (“the Combined Authorities Orders”): The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (Adult Education Functions) Order 2018 (S.I. 2018/1141) (see article 2); The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (Adult Education Functions) Order 2018 (S.I. 2018/1142) (see article 3); The West of England Combined Authority (Adult Education Functions) Order 2018 (S.I. 2018/1143) (see article 4); The West Midlands Combined Authority (Adult Education Functions) Order 2018 (S.I. 2018/1144) (see article 5); The Tees Valley Combined Authority (Adult Education Functions) Order 2018 (S.I. 2018/1145) (see article 6); The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (Adult Education Functions) Order 2018 (S.I. 2018/1146) (see article 7); The Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield Combined Authority (Functions and Amendment) Order 2020 (S.I. 2020/806) (see article 8); The West Yorkshire Combined Authority (Election of Mayor and Functions) Order 2021 (S.I. 2021/112) (see article 9); The North East Mayoral Combined Authority (Establishment and Functions) Order 2024 (S.I. 2024/402) (see article 10). The amendments made by this Order confer on the relevant Combined Authorities the power in section 100(1B) of the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 (“ASCLA”) to provide financial resources in connection with approved technical education qualifications or approved steps towards occupational competence (except in relation to functions relating to a person who, at the time of starting a course of study or starting to take approved steps toward occupational competence, is (a) aged under 19 or (b) aged under 25 for whom an Education, Health and Care Plan is maintained under section 37(2) of the Children and Families Act 2014 (c. 6)). This power is exercisable by each of the Combined Authorities in respect of their area concurrently with the Secretary of State. This Order also amends the relevant Combined Authorities Orders to apply certain provisions of ASCLA with modifications to the Combined Authorities for the purpose of the Combined Authorities exercising the power in section 100(1B) of ASCLA conferred on them by this Order (see articles 2(3), 3(3), 4(3), 5(3), 6(3), 7(3), 8(3), 9(3) and 10(3)). A full regulatory impact assessment has not been produced for this Order as no, or no significant, impact on the private, voluntary or public sector is foreseen.
The explanatory note summarizes the order's actions: it amends nine Combined Authorities Orders to grant them the power to fund technical education qualifications, except for apprenticeships and certain age groups.
It also notes that the Combined Authorities share this power with the Secretary of State and that a full regulatory impact assessment was deemed unnecessary due to a lack of anticipated impact on the various sectors.