Local authorities should be given more funding and control in order to simplify access to training and improve the national skills base, a new report from the New Local Government Network (NLGN) has said.
The organisation's study calls for councils to be given a greater say over the types of training offered in their area, as they know best how to aggregate sub-regional commissioning to meet local demand.
It also urges the government to build on its recent devolution of skills training commissioning for 16 to 19-year-olds to local authorities by handing them the reigns for 14 to 19 further education college commissioning and 16 to 19 capital funding.
Furthermore, the report argues, it should simplify the "overcomplicated" 14 to 19 skills training system by giving councils complete control over funding and commissioning, instead of splitting their duties with regional skills agencies.
Nick Hope, the study's author said: "Power and funding should be devolved to local authorities to create a more unified, integrated and locally responsive education and skills system that better serve employers and learners."
The NGLN is a non-profit think tank that focuses on the UK's local government and public services.