4.The Act makes provision to restructure the Learning and Skills Council for England (LSC). The LSC is the principal public body charged with planning and funding further education provision.
5.The Act also places new duties on the LSC in relation to encouraging diversity and increasing choice in education and training, consulting employers and learners and carrying out specified functions in accordance with strategies formulated by (i) bodies specified by the Secretary of State, and (ii) a body chaired by the Mayor of London the establishment of which the Secretary of State will be under a duty to provide for by making regulations.
6.Proposals in the Act extend the powers of the LSC to design, develop and operate support services for persons and bodies involved in education or training and for educational institutions.
7.The Act also clarifies the power of the LSC to form and invest in companies.