The new prime minister’s ambition to bring employment support closer to local communities is understandable. Local authorities know their areas, understand local labour markets and often have strong relationships with employers and community organisations. In theory, devolving greater control over employment support should create services that are more responsive to local needs. In practice, however, the evidence suggests the opposite. If the goal is to help more people into sustainable work, the government should resist further fragmentation and instead strengthen a nationally commissioned employment support system. Recent experience provides a clear warning. The rollout of the Department for Work and Pensions’ Connect to Work programme has exposed significant variations in the speed and capability of local commissioning. Some authorities have moved quickly to establish procurement processes and delivery partnerships, while others have struggled to mobilise services. These differences are not driven by levels of unemployment or economic inactivity. They are driven by differences in institutional capacity. As a result, access to support risks becoming determined by where a person lives rather than the barriers they face. Become a member for unlimited access to FE Week subscribe Our members enjoy early access to exclusive content and in-depth articles before anyone else. Get expert journalism on FE and skills, experience fewer ads, and unlock a growing range of member benefits.