URL: https://committees.oldham.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=5453

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 Education, Skills and Early Years which presented a request that funding, provided by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), to participate in and deliver the Get Britain Working Health and Wealth Trailblazer be accepted and the associated grant funding agreement be agreed. Agreement was sought from the Cabinet to utilise the funds in the various schemes that were being proposed in the submitted report.   The GMCA had confirmed that Oldham will receive 6.6% of the £10 million allocated to GM for the Trailblazer. Following management and evaluation costs the actual amount to be allocated from GMCA to Oldham Council was £566,475.   The trailblazer had set criteria for working with residents who are economically inactive and those further away from the labour market.  The aim was to prioritise residents who were economically inactive due to a long-term health condition or learning difficulties and disabilities and those who are looking after the home. These represent two of the most significant groups within our population who are economically inactive, and for whom there is not currently a comprehensive employment support offer.   Therefore, as part of this pilot, the Council will not be focusing on other groups of residents that are “economically inactive” as per the definition, for example, students or those residents who are retired.   The trailblazer should provide the Council with an opportunity to build on existing assets, knowledge, relationships with the VCFSE, and experience to test approaches to supporting these residents to progress towards employment.    Options/alternatives considered: Option 1 – To accept the funding and proposed projects up to 31st March 2026 and deliver the Economic Inactivity Trailblazer for Oldham residents.  This option secures additional support for economically inactive residents and community organisations in Oldham that would not normally be available.  Option 2 - To decline the funding and proposed projects up to 31st March 2026. This option effectively removes the provision, resource and support for residents who are economically inactive, provides capacity to the VCSF sector and supports the Oldham Partnership to embed LiveWell. The preferred Option was Option 1.   Resolved: 1.    That the Cabinet accepts the funding from GMCA, in the sum of £566,475, along with acceptance of the associated grant agreement. 2.    That the Cabinet agrees to use funds as set out in the submitted report report. 

Date of Decision: June 16, 2025