To provide further detail regarding the status of the SEaMLESS Consortium European Social Funds (ESF) funding bid.

1.      That the further detail provided about the SEaMLESS Consortium ESF funding bid, including the budget, outputs, results and targets, and associated impacts and risks to the Council, be noted.

2.      To authorise the Council entering into the funding agreement, subject to approval by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) for the programme.

3.      To authorise the Director of Regeneration and Business and the Section 151 Officer to approve any minor amendments to this funding agreement, in consultation with the Executive Member for Regeneration and the Executive Member for Education and Skills.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Education and Skills that provided further detail on the status of the SEaMLESS Consortium European Social Funds (ESF) bid.  A programme had been planned to commence in January 2017 for completion on 31 December 2019, subject to approval by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).  The bid was still currently under consideration by the DWP which would mean the commencement date would be delayed.

Reason for decision:  To enable funding to be secured for SEaMLESS as it provided an excellent opportunity to lever in external funding to support  vulnerable residents back into employment. 

RESOLVED

1.      that the further detail provided about the SEaMLESS Consortium ESF funding bid, including the budget, outputs, results and targets, and associated impacts and risks to the Council, be noted;

2.      to authorise the Council entering into the funding agreement, subject to approval by the DWP for the programme; and

3.      to authorise the Director of Regeneration and Business and the Section 151 Officer to approve any minor amendments to this funding agreement, in consultation with the Executive Member for Regeneration and the Executive Member for Education and Skills.