This NIACE briefing paper was for the Westminster Hall debate that was held on Thursday 26th June 2008. It highlights 8 issues and raises questions for the Government.

"Skills for Life is a world-class programme – a strategic, significantly funded and comprehensive attempt over more than one electoral cycle seeking to improve the literacy, language and numeracy skills of a significant number of people. The Government deserves credit for the sustained commitment it has made. But there is plenty of room for further improvement and achieving our targets should not make us complacent, as the most marginalised learners are yet to be reached."

• Issue 1: Achieving the targets represents partial success
• Issue 2: The ''hardest to reach'' adults have scarcely been touched by the Skills for Life Strategy
• Issue 3: Train to Gain''s focus needs broadening
• Issue 4: Numeracy
• Issue 5: English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
• Issue 6: ICT the ''forgotten'' basic skill?
• Issue 7: Targets include a significant number of young people completing key skills
• Issue 8: Older adults are sidelined

This briefing paper sets out the changes to the National Funding Policy for Skills for Life 2007/08 and gives important guidance for SfL providers.

Since May 2005, the London Skills Commission Skills for Life (SfL) Flagship Group has been involved in developing a London Skills for Life Strategy. The work began in response to the London Project Report (Strategy Unit, July 2004) and, through the Multi Agency Skills Team (MAST), continues to provide a collaborative, cross- Departmental approach to take forward key national and regional policy developments.

This includes supporting the development of the London Skills and Employment Strategy, through the regional partners' work with the London Skills and Employment Board (LSEB). The approach adopted by London partners also embodies many of the recommendations of the Leitch report, enabling the region to make an early response to the need for significant change in the way that SfL and skills are planned, resourced and delivered in the capital.

This update is the most recent in a series of papers that report the key developments being taken forward by regional partners. Those for whom the work is not so familiar may find it helpful to look at November 2006 and July 2006 papers in conjunction with this update.

The London Skills for Life Strategy will guide and support the development of all Skills for Life provision to ensure that those living and working in the capital have the skills that they need to access jobs and learning opportunities. The Strategy has been developed jointly by the LSC London region, the London Development Agency, Jobcentre Plus and other regional partners. Click here to download a copy of the Skills for Life Strategy.