Decision

Funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund programme is being used to deliver a Creative Catalyst Programme to develop and connect young people to opportunity and employment within the cultural sector and creative industries in Ramsgate.

Reasons for the decision

In June 2023 Cabinet approved the programme of spend for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund in Thanet, with the Head of Regeneration and Growth being authorised to agree appropriate contracts and spend in collaboration with the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Property, in order to deliver the projects within the council's processes and procedures.

On 6 June 2024, Officers consulted with the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Property with regard to the proposed projects and spending as outlined below, who raised no concerns.

The planned programme of activities and support, will deliver against the outputs and outcomes as identified in the UK Shared Prosperity Investment Plan, approved by central government and Thanet District Council’s Cabinet.

Creative Catalyst Programme

This programme will develop and connect young people (18- 24 years not in work) to opportunities and employment within the cultural sector and creative industries in Ramsgate. It will bring together cultural organisations across Ramsgate to offer a programme of work experience, training and apprenticeships to NEET young people in Ramsgate, working with referrals from the Department for Work and Pensions and similar organisations. This builds on links made with young people and initiatives undertaken as part of the High Street Heritage Action Zone Cultural Programme, delivered between 2022 and 2024.

Outcomes include young people from the local area undertaking apprenticeships, training and work experience in the creative sector in Ramsgate.

Evidence to support the planned programme of activities and support were identified in the ‘Delivering Shared Prosperity for Thanet’ report.

Support for Business - Growing Social Economy (E26)

Objectives:

·  Provide opportunities to work with focus neighbourhoods to reach those most in need of support into employment.

·  Support existing social enterprises and community businesses to engage those residents furthest from the labour market into projects, employment or volunteering Budget allocation: £100,000 (Committed spend £34,000)

Programme deliverables

Delivery and support partners

Delivery against E26

Creative Catalyst Programme

Develop and connect young people to opportunities and employment within the cultural sector and creative industries in Ramsgate.

Match funding

Arts Council £5,000 tbc

UKSPF £25,000

Partners to include: Arts Council, Department for Work and Pensions, East Kent Colleges Group, Forward Trust, Ramsgate cultural orgs and events including Festival of Sound, Music Hall, GB Carnival etc

Total cost to deliver (from UKSPF)

£ 25,000

Alternative options considered

• Alternative partners could be identified. This would mean that the council is not using organisations who are suitable linked with the sector and are well placed to ensure maximum impact. This could lead to a reduction in the quality of delivery and the level of support, as well as jeopardising expected outcomes and impact to the sector. This option was not recommended.

·  Do nothing - the project plan could be amended and find alternative delivery for Support for Business outputs.This will lead to an underspend for the financial year that may then need to be returned to central government. This option was not recommended.