As part of a new skills strategy, Mr Hayes promised colleges rated by Ofsted as outstanding the flexibility to move money between budgets, allowing them to rapidly respond to the demands of employers and learners.

The government will also remove the requirement for colleges and training organisations to complete Summary Statements of Activity, and principals will no longer be required to undertake the Principals Qualifying Programme.

Mr Hayes said: "As soon as I was appointed Minister I immediately set about the task of setting colleges free. This announcement sends a signal on how we are changing the relationship between government and Further Education.

"Responsiveness is crucial if we are to provide the skills that employers need and students want. Removing unnecessary burdens and freeing colleges to react to local demand will help achieve just that.

"I want to unlock the energies and talents of all teachers and learners in colleges across the country.

"We are opening what I hope will be an enduring dialogue between government and colleges on how we respond to new challenges and take up new opportunities, because I am determined to give everyone the chance to get on in life through new skills and qualifications. I know just how important further education colleges are in delivering the Government's ambitions."

The plans to reduce bureaucracy have been broadly welcomed by the sector. Lynne Sedgmore, executive director of the 157 Group, a partnership of 28 influential colleges, believes they signal a clear trust and respect for high-performing providers.

"We are keen to continually improve the responsiveness of colleges and believe these important freedoms will enable us to raise our game even further as high-performing, responsive and autonomous organisations, said Ms Ms Sedgmore.

According to Toni Fazaeli, chief executive of The Institute for Learning (IfL), the professional body for teachers, tutors, trainers and student teachers in FE, the government's announcement helps bring the sector in line with other highly valued professions.

Ms Fazaeli said: "With greater emphasis on professional autonomy and accountability through peer review, and full engagement with their professional body, teachers and trainers will be well placed to play their part in delivering continuous improvement from within. This is what we see elsewhere in highly valued professions, including law, surgery, accounting, nursing and midwifery.

"Fewer inspections and more creative and developmental approaches to improving quality, led by teachers and trainers, are the right way forward. IfL hopes that Ofsted will complement this by continuing to carry out thematic surveys and continuing to highlight excellent practice in teaching and training to give a clear sense of the very best nationally."

Jason Rainbow

(Pictured: Skills Minister John Hayes. Credit: Sacha Schweda)