Nick Metcalfe

Astley Business Park – Outcome of Independent Audit of Planning Process

From: Cabinet - Thursday, 22nd January, 2026 10.30 am - January 22, 2026

To report back to Cabinet, the findings of the independent external audit of the planning process, in respect of planning application A/23/96226/MAJOR.

Recommendations Approved

Greater Manchester Integrated Settlement: Wigan Locality Grant Agreement for Economic Inactivity Trailblazer, Work Well & NEET programmes (2026/27)

From: Cabinet - Thursday, 22nd January, 2026 10.30 am - January 22, 2026

The Integrated Settlement Agreement is a new funding approach that consolidates multiple grant streams - such as Work Well, NEET, and EI Trailblazer - into a single grant agreement. This model is designed to simplify processes by using one set of legal terms, governance, and reporting requirements, while aligning with Greater Manchester’s strategic priorities. It moves away from evidencing spend and instead focuses on achieving agreed outcomes, such as helping residents move into work, closer to work, or sustain employment. By creating flexibility in how funds are managed locally, the agreement aims to reduce bureaucracy, improve efficiency, and enable a more connected education, employment, and skills offer across the region.

Recommendations Approved (subject to call-in)