Manchester and Leeds to decide how to offer better training

17:00 22nd April 2009

As part of new devolution plans, Greater Manchester and Leeds will be given the power to decide how to provide better training opportunities to adults.

The Manchester Independent Economic Review highlighted the importance of job-based skills in creating an economic power in the north of England that could balance the dominance of London, reports the Manchester Evening News.

By the end of July this year, policy priority agreements will be reached between the Treasury and regional councils to decide the best ways to allocate resources in the north.

Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester council, told the paper: "Unless in a relatively short time there are more steps taken by the government to show they are serious about devolution of both power and budgets, then I don't see how it would be in our interests to proceed."

His comments were echoed by other leaders within the Greater Manchester region.

Developing new computer skills courses and IT training could form part of the devolution plans.

In related news, advanced training facilities could be offered with the establishment of an international university on the site of the London Olympic Park after 2012, according to a Times report.