Commentary on Sections Part 3: the Young People’s Learning Agency for England Chapter 3: YPLA’s Functions: Supplementary Section 75: Directions by Secretary of State
220.This section requires the YPLA to comply with directions from the Secretary of State. Directions under subsection (1) may set objectives that the YPLA should achieve in carrying out its functions and time limits within which they are to be achieved. They may also relate to the management of the YPLA.
221.Subsection (2) provides that if the Secretary of State considers that the YPLA has failed to carry out a statutory duty or has acted, or is proposing to act, unreasonably in carrying out its functions, a direction may be given which relates to the performance of the YPLA’s functions, even where the YPLA has discretion in the exercise of its functions.
222.Under subsection (4) directions under this section may not relate to the funding of activities carried on by particular individuals or bodies. For example, the Secretary of State could not require the YPLA to fund a particular provider to deliver a particular course in respect of a young person. This is to ensure that the YPLA has sole responsibility for individual funding decisions without influence from the Secretary of State.