Written statement on Update on Machinery of Government – Skills - Nov 20

Minister of State (Minister for Skills) (Baroness Smith of Malvern): I am making this statement to update the House on the transfer of the responsibility for apprenticeships; adult further education, skills, training and careers; and Skills England, from the Department for Education to the Department for Work and Pensions, as announced on 16 September (HCWS 930).

The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions is now exercising responsibility for these activities, supported by Baroness Smith of Malvern, the Minister for Skills, who serves jointly across both departments. Formal accountability to Parliament for the resources used in support of these activities will continue to be through the Permanent Secretary of the Department for Education until the Main Estimate for 2026/27 is passed, rather than in the Supplementary Estimate 2025/26. Following the Main Estimate 2026/27, accountability will be through the Permanent Secretary for the Department for Work and Pensions.