Purpose

This report seeks approval for Cornwall Council to act as Lead Authority for a joint Cornwall and Devon bid to the National Jobs Guarantee programme. It sets out the strategic rationale for participation, including the opportunity to secure up to £2.65m of funding to support approximately 1,000 residents into employment across Cornwall and Devon, and to use the programme to further integrate the local employment and skills system in line with the Workforce & Skills Strategy, Good Growth Plan and Get Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Working Plan. The report also seeks delegated authority to submit the bid, accept funding if successful, and establish delivery and commissioning arrangements with Devon CCA and Plymouth City Council.

Decision

Decision:

1. That, subject to a positive funding decision from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Cornwall Council accepts the National Jobs Guarantee grant and acts as Lead Authority and accountable body for the joint Cornwall and Devon programme.
   
   
2. That authority be delegated to the Service Director Economy, Regeneration and Assets, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Economic Regeneration and Investment, the Section 151 Officer and the Monitoring Officer, to finalise and enter into the DWP grant funding agreement and any associated funding, partnership, commissioning and delivery agreements required to implement the programme, including onward grant funding agreements with Plymouth City Council, Devon County Council and Torbay Council.