Lord Katz (Lab)

I thank the noble Earl and the noble Baroness for their valuable contributions to our short and focused debate. I appreciate the comments from the noble Baroness, Lady Humphreys, who welcomed the SI and supported how it helps to embody and enact further the devolution settlement within Wales, specifically for education. I also thank the noble Earl, Lord Effingham, for his comments. He asked about the process of developing the commission. I can confirm that the transition has been smooth. He will be aware that the commission has undertaken a series of consultations to ensure the steps it takes to implement the 2022 Act fully are informed by the views and experience of the tertiary education sector and other partners. We take that very seriously. The commission has made substantial progress in its role as the national steward for raising standards, delivering for learners of all ages, and improving institutional collaboration and co-ordination. It is worth noting that this has included supporting over 1,000 employees facing an uncertain future at the Port Talbot steelworks to develop new skills through an innovative programme of local learning. It is important that the order allows the full transition to the commission and the switching-on of its powers, but it is not the case that the commission has not been up and running, active and delivering good for the tertiary education sector in Wales. Having said that, it is worth noting that the Welsh Government have taken a phased approach, which is probably the right approach, to bringing the 2022 Act into force, to ensure a smooth transition from previous arrangements and to prevent disruptions for providers and learners. As I said, the next phase of implementation will take place on 1 April, when a number of the new functions will come into force. That is why we are debating the order today, pending which we will formally move the Motion to approve the order in a few days’ time in the Chamber, to make sure that it can come into force to coincide with the Welsh Government’s commencement timetable for these powers. I hope that that satisfies the noble Earl’s question on the transition. The order provides for a number of changes to UK law, including amendments to tax, charities and employment legislation, that are necessary following the Senedd’s Tertiary Education and Research (Wales) Act 2022. I offer my thanks for the productive manner in which the UK and Welsh Governments have worked in preparing the order, and I commend it to the Grand Committee.