A report detailing the evidence and options for achieving a value for money adult education service, including evidence based on the Council's consultation regarding the future of Adult Education in Merton. The report will present the options in light of the consultation, financial/value for money considerations and other relevant factors.

RESOLVED

That Cabinet

1.          considers the evidence, including the financial analysis, responses to the public consultation and the equalities analysis

2.          reconfirms their commitment to offering adult education services in the borough and their continued rejection of the previously outlined option 6 to cease offering these services.

3.          approves the recommendation to move Adult Education to a Commissioning model (option 4) for the reasons outlined in 3.9 and based on the financial analysis provided in 2.1 That this is based on a commissioning strategy that seeks to provide courses in a diversity of locations around the borough and to make arrangements with providers that provide a supportive and nurturing environment for learners.

4.          endorses the equalities action plan (appendix H)

5.          adopts a series of core principles to underpin future commissioning of this service, in addition to a phased commissioning timetable (as set out in paragraph 3.14)