Decision

RESOLVED:
a.   
Noted that the Council is acting as the Accountable
Body for the delivery of the Connect to Work programme for the
South Midlands region in line with the hosting and Accountable Body
role WNC has for the South Midlands wider services, accepting the
risks and mitigations outlined in section 6.3.
b.   
Approved the acceptance of the DWP Connect to Work
grant funding of circa £32million over a 5-year programme,
noting that government funding can be subject to change.
c.   
Delegated to Section 151 Officer (or their nominated
representative) to enter into the Grant Funding Agreement with the
DWP to deliver the Connect to Work programme and to enter into
agreements with each Local Authority in the South Midlands cluster
who will be part of the delivery of the programme.
 
REASONS RESOLVED:
 

1. The Connect to Work programme provides a
significant opportunity to provide funded support to residents
across the South Midlands who are most in need of support to find
employment. This is a very tangible opportunity to improve quality
of life and contribute towards our aims in the One West
Northamptonshire Plan of having thriving people with a skilled
workforce.

2. Confirming acceptance of the funding and the
South Midlands’ approach to the programme will enable the
programme team to establish the programme in a timely manner and in
line with DWP requirements and expectations.
 

3. Delegating the authority to enter into the Grant
Funding Agreement to the Section 151 Officer will ensure that we
can proceed with the programme at pace once the DWP are satisfied
with the South Midland’s Delivery Plan for the
scheme.
 
ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS: Failure to
accept the grant funding would undermine the Council’s
ability to support the expansion and enhancement of the employment
support services offer in the South Midlands region to include more
robust provision for residents with a health condition or
significant barrier to employment.