Local Authority round-up 22 May 2026
22nd May, 2026
Our Local Authority round up provides brief summaries of topical information on a weekly basis, to keep you aware of the changes and updates relevant to you.
Education
Adults locked out of learning to access education with new reform
Adults balancing responsibilities such as work and childcare will now have a new route into university and college thanks to new reforms to create a new, more flexible student finance system.
From September 2026, people will be able to access student finance for shorter, flexible, bite-sized courses (also known as ‘modules’), as well as traditional university degrees.
130 universities and colleges have been approved to offer smaller courses through the system, which people will be able to apply for this September.
This changes comes about as part of the Lifelong Learning Entitlement, as set out in the government’s Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper last year. The funding of these new smaller courses mean people can gain qualifications over time, rather than needing to complete a three-year full-time degree in one go. The modules will focus on subjects that tackle skill shortages, including economics and computing, engineering and architecture, as well as health and social care.
For more information, please click here.
Regional funding to train next generation of construction workers
Tens of thousands of placements will be created for aspiring construction workers in a £96 million boost to train new talent and build new homes. The boost is in response to the construction industry facing significant shortages, with the latest Office for National Statistics figures showing that there are over 35,000 job vacancies – over half are due to lack of required skill.
The government is tackling this shortage by also helping bring vocational education on par with academic. It has published a plan to support schools and colleges to transition from legacy qualifications at the same level, including BTECs, to a clearer system of V Levels, T Levels and A Levels from 2027 as options after GCSE.
These educational plans are central to the Prime Minister’s ambition to ensure two thirds of young people are in gold standard apprenticeships, higher training or university by the age of 25, boosting priority sectors like housebuilding and driving economic growth.
For more information, please click here.
Health & Social Care
Maternity Adviser to champion safer care for mothers and babies
Women and families failed by maternity services will be better heard and their experiences will drive lasting improvements to care, as Michelle Welsh MP has been appointed as the government’s first Maternity Adviser.
Welsh will work directly with families, the government, the NHS and key maternity organisations to push for better, safer care for mothers, babies and families.
To do this, Welsh will meet regularly with ministers to share evidence and advice while working with families and communities to bring a wide range of voices into the heart of government action to improve maternity services. There will be a special focus on those communities who experience the greatest health inequalities.
For more information, please click here.
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