To ask the Minister for the Economy to outline what recent discussions she has had in relation to devolution and reform of the Apprenticeship Levy.

The Apprenticeship Levy is a reserved matter. While the Fiscal Commission recommended that there is a strong case for the devolution of the Apprenticeship Levy, the Commission also stated that this levy should only be devolved in conjunction with income tax, given the likely administration costs of pursuing devolution of this tax in isolation. I have had several recent discussions with stakeholders in relation to the Apprenticeship Levy, including CBI, Skills Council and other leaders in business and industry. My officials have ongoing engagement with other jurisdictions on apprenticeship matters.