SCTP has been working with East Sussex County Council through their Apprenticeships in East Sussex group on continued lobbying on the impact of the apprenticeship reforms on non-levy paying businesses. After a bland response to ESCC’s first letter, a more detailed letter was sent raising the issue of the gaps in provision that had been created by the non-levy procurement process leaving some providers without contracts and calling for a relaxation of subcontracting rules as a possible solution. Sadly, Anne Milton’s second response, apart from acknowledging the concerns, offers little other than a restatement of what the Government has done and why, without engaging in a dialogue to address the concerns raised. The letter does at least reaffirm the Government’s commitment to the 3 million starts target.
