6.6 At local level too there have been many encouraging examples of effective strategic partnerships, embracing representatives of local authorities, voluntary organisations, TECs and educational providers, created to focus on regeneration and gain access to regional, national and European funds. New partnerships have been forged between institutions of further and higher education, and amongst further education providers promoting the application of information technology in business through the competitiveness fund. In the community, money from the national lottery fund, European Union and single regeneration budgets have contributed to the work of voluntary organisations and community groups, especially in supporting local capacity building. In the new strategy, it is essential that wider opportunities are given to community groups to gain access to sources of funding, including core funding, which will enable them and their work in lifelong learning to thrive and prosper.

6.7 Despite cuts and restrictions in public expenditure, many local authorities have demonstrated leadership and inventiveness in establishing and contributing to partnership schemes with schools and their communities and taking part in the learning towns and cities network in this country and internationally. Both locally and nationally the WEA and adult residential colleges have continued with their valuable and distinctive contribution to lifelong learning for adults, through a diversity of programmes and in conjunction with a range of learning partners.

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