Member

I know that local residents and businesses in south-east Cornwall are concerned about stability and future opportunities. The Bill, with its establishment of Skills England, is an opportunity to deliver the stability that businesses need to plan their workforce, invest in skills development, and create quality jobs for local people close to home. By making the apprenticeship levy more flexible, we can ensure that funds are used effectively, support lifelong learning and provide structured training opportunities. Through the alignment of Skills England with our national industrial strategy, we can promote co-ordinated skills planning across the country, while the focus on devolution means that local solutions can be tailored to local needs. This is vital for Cornwall. Decision-making powers must be held locally, not kept in Westminster. Cornish people know what works best for us, and it is only right that we shape our own future.