5.24 Responsibility for lifelong learning and the development of a learning culture for all should be shared between Government, other public authorities and bodies, employers, providers and individuals. Government should establish the overall strategy, after due consultation with the other stakeholders, and should allocate appropriate resources in line with the other principles sketched out above, but investment in lifelong learning should be seen as a responsibility for all. Where particular mechanisms are developed to embody this principle, such as the proposed Individual Learning Accounts, the release of funds should be contingent upon a clear demonstration of such shared responsibility.

5.25 In establishing and demonstrating their acceptance of responsibility, public authorities and other bodies, providers, employers and individuals should also show their practical support for the other principles outlined above. One of the main changes needed is one in which all people accept their own share of responsibility for their continued engagement with the development of their own learning throughout life. In turn, Government should consider what other arrangements, including in the fields of fiscal and taxation policy, might be used to stimulate and support those who can show their own acceptance of responsibility for enhancing lifelong learning and contributing towards the creation of a learning culture.

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