EDUCATION authorities have been given new powers and cash to run the adult education courses effectively outlawed by the Conservatives in 1992.
Thousands of courses from flower arranging and car maintenance to holiday language and philosophy studies will gain a new lease of life from a Pounds 9 million deal unveiled by George Mudie in his first policy announcement as lifelong learning minister this week.
His aim is to restore the range of leisure education programmes which were widely seen as encouraging adults back into learning.
But Mr Mudie has ruled out a policy of “anything goes”. “Local authorities will need to develop lifelong learning plans, setting targets to widen participation and improve standards in adult education,” he said.
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