The report, published by the Learning and Skills Development Agency draws on a study of the past, present and future of higher education in further education colleges.  It considers the various policy aims and legislation which have shaped the sector, discussing the impact of the Dearing Committee and the historic complexity of various funding streams, HEFCE, FEFC, LSC.  The report analyses the wider context for decision-making and highlights the dual character of this provision.  The research is based on an analysis of secondary and statistical sources and highlighted three key issues:- the dual character of policies, structures and processes; a weak information base for policy development in this area and the policy legacies and strategic uncertainty which affects decision-making in FECs.

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