Learning is the key to prosperity and opportunity, both for individuals, families and communities and for our nation as a whole. That is why learning is at the heart of the Government's ambition. Our Green Paper, The Learning Age, has set out for consultation how learning needs to be shaped for the new millennium. How local communities respond and develop their learning resources will be a key factor in the success of the Learning Age.

The Learning City Network has been an innovative development. It uses learning to promote social cohesion and economic development. It develops partnerships to stimulate and respond to the demand for learning. Learning cities and communities are also helping to support our priorities for modernising local government, tackling social exclusion, regenerating urban areas and achieving best value. The rapid expansion of the Learning City Network shows that the approach is working and that it offers real potential. Learning cities and communities have a bright future in the Learning Age.

This guide contains practical information on how to develop the Learning City "approach". I commend it to all those who are working to sustain learning to achieve a learning society.

David Blunkett
Secretary of State for Education and Employment