Teenagers will be offered more education and training courses under a pioneering initiative by councils in London.

From April 2010, local authorities across the capital will take on powers from the Learning and Skills Council to commission education for 16-19 year olds. Councils are already responsible for the education for children up to the age of 16.

A London-wide organisation called the 14-19 Regional Planning Group is being set up to oversee all the commissioning. Its role will be to support boroughs, resolve any issues which arise and lobby the government for enough resources.

The 14-19 Regional Planning Group will be based at London Councils and be chaired by Cllr Nick Stanton, London Councils’ executive member for children and young people.

At a meeting of London Councils’ Leaders’ Committee today, all London borough council leaders agreed the constitution for the Regional Planning Group. This includes the membership of the group and the rules by which it will abide. Each year, the committee will agree the group’s business plan and budget.

“London is taking a very innovative approach to ensuring that by 2015, every young person in the capital chooses to stay in education or training until the age of 19,” said Cllr Stanton.

“The work of the group will also be used as a blueprint – not just for the 14-19 agenda but to show how local authorities can work together to improve the delivery of vital services for their communities.

“Local authorities will work closely with colleges and sixth forms to provide courses which will equip young people with the skills needed to boost London’s economy.

“The 14-19 Regional Planning Group will have the powers it needs to lead London-wide efforts to offer young people a wider choice of courses and apprenticeships, while being accountable to boroughs.”