URL: https://democratic.trafford.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1461

Decision Maker: Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: The Trailblazer is aligned to Trafford approach to Living Well, and will integrate with and add an employment dimension to the boroughs approach.

Content: The Trailblazer is aligned to Trafford approach to Living Well, and will integrate with and add an employment dimension to the boroughs approach. 1)         That the contents of the report, be noted.   2)         That the commissioning of the Economic Inactivity Trailblazer (EIT) for Trafford be approved, comprised of a combination of in-house delivery by Trafford Council and commissioning of activities and services that support the aims of the programme.   3)         That this decision be classified 'urgent’ and be exempted from the 'call-in' process for the following reason:   The EIT has a one-year lifespan to demonstrate and provide evidence of the efficacy of the approach staring from April 2025 to March 2026. Any further delay will impact on our ability to mobilise the project, reach the number of target clients and our ability to report to GMCA on the progress of the project. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) are funding Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) to deliver the Economic Inactivity Trailblazer (EIT). GMCA are funding GM Local Authorities to design and deliver the EIT provision. DWP have stipulated delivery takes place between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026. All 10 GM boroughs are participating.   The Economic Inactivity Trailblazer is a place-based initiative designed to reduce economic inactivity by addressing complex barriers to employment through four interconnected project elements.   Aligned to the Live Well agenda Trafford is expanding and investing in community-based job clubs and employment support, aligning these with the borough’s advice hub model. This approach is being integrated with social prescribing and a strengthened Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) offer, ensuring residents can access holistic, community-led support that addresses both employment and wider wellbeing needs.   In Trafford delivery will be led by the Inclusive Economy and Communities Team comprised of a mix of delivery by existing and newly recruited staff and commissioned activities by the VCFSE sector.   This funding is specifically targeted to supporting those who are economically inactive working alongside partners and the VCFSE. It is a test and learn model that supports the wider Live Well approach therefore there are no other appropriate options to consider.

Date of Decision: July 25, 2025