One North West, the regional BME network, has produced a short briefing "Big Society, Localism and the BME Third Sectori", raising concerns that the shift of power from Westminster to local people might impact disproportionately on the BME sector and communities throughout the North West.

This paper outlines the coalition government's emerging vision for skills and explores some key areas where the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills would like to seek further views. The paper sets the context for the technical funding system and methodology consultation – A Simplified Further Education and Skills Funding System and Methodology – that is being launched in parallel.

The consultation examines ways in which the funding system and methodology for post-19 further education and skills can be simplified to ensure greater transparency for learners and employers and reduce burdens on Further Education colleges and training organisations aiding them to deliver high quality further education and skills training.