Concerns raised over ‘duplication’ of numeracy scheme
AN ADULT numeracy programme intended to play a central role in the UK Government’s regional aid programme is likely to conflict with and duplicate initiatives already under way in Wales, the Welsh Government fears.
The programme, called Multiply, is intended to improve people’s ability to do maths and work with numbers across the UK.
Of the £585m allocated to Wales under the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) over three years, £101m will be spent delivering Multiply.
But there are concerns that much of the money could be wasted.
A Welsh Government spokesman said: “Multiply is another unacceptable encroachment by the UK Government into a devolved policy area, and is a further example of Wales having less say over less money.
“The UK Government is using the SPF to top-slice funding to support the delivery of their other priorities.
“They are using the fund to support their own UK-wide schemes, but denying the Welsh Government the ability to fund Wales-wide schemes – despite EU funding supporting a range of critical pan-Wales business and skills programmes. We were not consulted when the UK Government announced that the UK SPF would support Multiply.
“We have serious concerns Multiply will conflict with and duplicate existing provision in Wales.”
Asked to explain what current programmes could be compromised by Multiply, a spokesman for the Welsh Government’s education department said: “We provide funding to the Adult Learning Network, further education (FE) institutions and Adult Learning Wales for work which includes ‘softer’ engagement activity to attract learners who might otherwise hesitate to get involved, with a clear emphasis on essential skills, digital literacy and ESOL [English as a second language] needs.
“Essentials skills, digital, literacy and numeracy are embedded in all full time FE programmes.
“Wales Essential Skills Toolkit (WEST) is an online assessment tool used to establish a learner’s level of communication, application of number and digital literacy levels.
“WEST ensures that learners’ essential skills needs are identified and then those needs are addressed via support available through a number of Welsh Government-funded programmes.
“We have committed to increase the number of adults learning in Wales. We’ve established an External Reference Group to co-design a programme of national coordination for adult learning activity across Wales, and we’ve committed £2m towards this programme of activity.”
However, the UK Government in insisting that councils in Wales deliver the Multiply programme.
Its SPF prospectus states: “In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, Multiply will be delivered as part of the single UKSPF investment plan developed by areas.
“This prospectus has set out the total allocation for each region/local authority linked to Multiply and we will expect areas to set out how they intend to deliver Multiply interventions in line with that level of funding in their UKSPF investment plans.
“They should take account of the aims, objectives and priorities of Multiply when developing local plans for people and skills interventions.”
The UK Government has identified three success measures for the whole programme at a national level:
More adults achieving maths qualifications / participating in numeracy courses;
Improved labour market outcomes, with fewer numeracy skills gaps reported by employers and an increase in the proportion of adults that progress into sustained employment and / or education;
Increased adult numeracy across the population – this overall impact, which goes beyond achieving certificates or qualifications, will track both the perceived and actual difference taking part in the programme makes in supporting learners to improve their understanding and use of maths in their daily lives, at home and at work.
Asked to respond to the Welsh Government’s concerns, which include not just the potential conflict and duplication arising out of Multiply, but also Westminster’s SPF funding formula, which it claims will result in millions of pounds diverted from Wales’ poorest areas into more prosperous parts of the country, a UK Government spokeswoman said: “We expect councils to demonstrate how their plans for Multiply align with existing provision.
“The UKSPF is based on a new formula which takes in population density and the needs of the local population.
“It is going to the areas that absolutely need it most, and we have consulted with local communities and the Welsh Government to make sure we’re getting it right.”