Decision Maker: Executive

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: February 13, 2025

Purpose: Approve approach to Connect to Work programme and UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) extension in North Northants.

Content: RESOLVED   KEY DECISION   That the Executive:   a)    Welcomed the allocation to North Northamptonshire of £1,581,860 through the UK Shared Prosperity Funding and delegated approval to the Section 151 officer to sign the Memorandum of Understanding with Government to secure the funding.   b)    Agreed that the funding continues to be targeted in line with the submitted Investment Plan and approach as set out in paragraph 4.6.   c)    Supported the continuation of arrangements for the award of funding and related matters, with decisions delegated to the Executive Director of Place & Economy (Deputy Chief Executive) in consultation with the Executive Member for Growth & Regeneration, and alongside and through engagement  with the UK Shared Prosperity Fund Panel, also comprising the Executive Members for Housing, Communities & Levelling Up and Rural Communities & Localism.   d)    Welcomed the new Connect to Work programme and move towards locally delivered employment support and agree that the Council develop a Local Delivery Plan for North Northamptonshire working alongside other principal local authorities in the South Midlands.   e)    Delegated authority to the Executive Director, Adults, Health Partnerships & Housing, in consultation with the Executive Member for Adults, Health & Wellbeing,  to submit the Connect to Work Programme Local Delivery Plan to Government, and the Section 151 Officer authorise any related agreements to secure the funding and deliver the programme in this area.         Reasons for Recommendations – The recommendations will ensure that:   ·       The Council can take full advantage of the funding which has been allocated to the area through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.  This follows the decision by Government to extend the programme for a further year.  ·       The Council can secure funding support through the Government’s new Connect to Work programme.  This programme will help address barriers to employment and economic activity targeting people with physical, mental or other challenges. Alternative Options Considered – The Council could choose not to support either or both the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Connect to Work (C2W) programme.  However, this approach would result in lost funding and associated opportunities to communities, residents, businesses, and other stakeholders in the area.  An alternative approach to the C2W programme could involve developing a joint Local Delivery Plan, but this would inevitably slow progress, add further complexity, and could limit the ability to target funding on local priorities.