URL: https://committees.oldham.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=5452

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose:

Content: The Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Eduction, Skills and Early Years that sought an extension to the funding provided by GMCA (Greater Manchester Combined Authority) as part of the UKSPF skills funding allocation for NEET support be accepted and that any variations to the original contract agreement be agreed.   In August 2023, a Cabinet report (attached at Appendix 1) was considered and Members agreed to accept funding from the UKSPF Skills funding via GMCA to support NEET young people to re-engage and return to the EET (Education, Employment and Training) pathway.  This funding was a total of £720,000.   The report outlined the intention for the funding to be attached to the existing TIIAG (Targeted Independent Information, Advice and Guidance) contract as this would provide the most effective use of the additional resource.  This became the  “Empower Oldham” project currently being delivered by Positive Steps.  This grant agreement, contract and funding was made available until 31st March 2025.   The Cabinet was advised that in December 2023, Oldham Council had applied to receive some additional funding from the UKSPF fund.  This request originated from GMCA and was known as “Growth Fund”.  Oldham was awarded an additional £19,000 (which increased our monitoring outputs by 10 young people reached).  The agreed use of this additional funding was to support the rental costs for the new provision Oldham College are developing at Positive Steps. In July 2024, Oldham Council was notified of GMCA’s intention to extend UKSPF funding and outcomes to September 2025.  The extension will provide an additional £240K to cover the costs of the programme.  A Cabinet report (attached at Appendix 2 to the submitted report) was taken and agreed to accept the extension.   The GMCA had recently confirmed their intention to continue to provide NEET support funding and have confirmed funding up to 31st March 2026. Therefore the total amount of the additional funding requested, from the Cabinet, to be accepted, was £240,000.00.   Options/alternatives considered: Option 1 - To accept the extension to the funding up to 31st March 2026 and continue to deliver Empower Oldham for our NEET young people.  This option secured additional support for young people in Oldham that would not normally be available.  Option 2 – To decline the extension to funding up to 31st March 2026.   This option would effectively remove provision, resource and support for young people who were an identified vulnerable group. Option 1 was the preferred Option.   Resolved: That the Cabinet agrees to accept the additional funding, of £240,000.00, to deliver the extension to the scheme, known locally as “Empower Oldham” provided for the Brough of Oldham’ ‘NEET’ young people - this option provides additional support to our young people in Oldham, that would not normally be available.

Date of Decision: June 16, 2025