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Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Bill

My Lords, earlier I indicated to the Opposition that we were not too happy with this amendment, but I misinterpreted it and I apologise to the noble Lord. In fact, we have a lot of sympathy with what he is suggesting. It is quite clear that, as the LSC has in its role set targets and assessment schemes for colleges, the YPLA will be doing that not only in relation to the providers of education and training, it will presumably be judging local authorities as well, and it is appropriate that they consult. I was slightly surprised that the amendment mentioned, ""a local authority in England"," because the YPLA should be in consultation with all local authorities rather than just a single one. We spoke at length on Monday about the need for the YPLA to be seen to be a co-operative authority working in partnership with local authorities as well as with the subregional groups. We want to see that sense of partnership and we have tabled a series of amendments that we hope the Government will look kindly on to give the YPLA a greater sense of co-operation within the terms of the Bill. These two amendments fit in very well with what we are asking for.