URL: https://committees.oldham.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=5454

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 that requested the formal acceptance of a grant award of £276,888 from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) on behalf of Oldham Council, for the purpose of delivering the Refugee Support Project via the Get Oldham Working programme, over a two-year period commencing in May 2025.   The report advised that Oldham Council had secured £276,888 from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) to deliver a two-year Refugee Support Project starting in May 2025. Developed in partnership with Action Together, the programme would enhance support for refugees and people seeking asylum through English language education, digital inclusion, volunteering, and employment support.   The projects were to be delivered in collaboration with the local Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector, aiming to support 250 individuals and improve integration and employment outcomes. A detailed mobilisation plan was in place, and all stakeholders — including elected members, council services, and delivery partners — had been consulted and were fully supportive.   Options/alternatives considered: Option 1: To accept the Grant and Proceed with Project Delivery Under this option, Oldham Council would formally accept the £276,888 grant funding from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and proceed with the implementation of the Refugee Support Project as outlined in the approved proposal. Delivery would be undertaken in partnership with Action Together and the local Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector. This approach would enable the Council to address identified local needs by enhancing support for refugees and individuals seeking asylum through an integrated model focused on language skills, digital inclusion, volunteering, and employment support. Accepting the funding would contribute to the borough’s wider ambitions for community cohesion, inclusion, and socio-economic resilience. It would also demonstrate a continued commitment to collaborative working with local partners and the GMCA. Option 2: to decline the Grant and Withdraw from Project Delivery. The Council could choose not to accept the grant funding and, as a result, would not proceed with the delivery of the Refugee Support Project. The preferred Option was Option 1.   Resolved: That the Cabinet agrees to accept the £276,888 grant funding from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and to proceed with delivery, enabling Oldham to meet identified local needs and strengthen community cohesion.

Date of Decision: June 16, 2025