This meeting of the Decision Notices committee was to note a decision that had been taken by Peter Francis, Head of HR, Payroll, Corporate Health & Safety and Corporate Communications, regarding the transfer of funds from the council's Apprenticeship Levy to St Margaret's Nursery. As a non-key officer decision, it was noted that call-in would not apply.

Apprenticeship Levy Funds Transfer

The meeting was notified of the decision to transfer £7,000 from Dover District Council's Apprenticeship Levy funds to St Margaret's Nursery, to fund an apprenticeship. The transfer was scheduled to occur over two financial years, with £3,733 in the first year and £3,267 in the second.

The report pack noted that the Apprenticeship Levy was introduced under Part 6 of the Finance Act 2016¹. It also noted that Corporate Management Team had previously agreed to pledge up to 25% of the council's apprenticeship levy fund to local businesses in the district, where:

(a) their purposes align with DDC corporate priorities

(b) to those businesses that offer opportunities to disadvantaged people living in the district

(c) where the funds could address skills shortages in the district

(d) they are seeking to fund apprenticeship qualifications up to Level 4.

The report pack stated that St Margaret's Nursery met the selection criteria because they deliver services in the care and education sector within the Dover district and are seeking to provide opportunities to apprentices doing a L3 or below qualification. The funding was requested to fund one Level 3, 18-month Apprenticeship in Education and Childcare. It was also noted that this request meets the Council's Corporate Objectives of 'growing our economy' and 'supporting our communities'.

The Director of Finance, Solicitor to the Council, and Climate Change Officer reportedly had no comments to add. The Equalities Officer noted that:

This report seeking authorisation of the use of the Councils Apprenticeship Levy to support a local business does not specifically highlight any equality implications, however in discharging their duties Members are required to comply with the public sector equality duty as set out in Section 149 of the Equality Act 2010.