URL: https://democracy.croydon.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2686

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: The Council is seeking approval to enter into a grant funding agreement with the Greater London Authority for the remaining term of the Connect to Work Supported employment programme. Croydon Council is the lead accountable body for all 5 SLP boroughs.

Content: The Council is seeking approval to enter into a grant funding agreement with the Greater London Authority for the remaining term of the Connect to Work Supported employment programme. Croydon Council is the lead accountable body for all 5 SLP boroughs. For the reasons set out in the report and its appendices, the Executive Mayor and Cabinet AGREED to:   2.1.1    Approve Greater London Authority (GLA) funding of £14,412,242 from April 2026 to March 2029 for the South London Partnership Connect to Work programme.   2.1.2    Approve the revised funding arrangements for the Connect to Work programme whereby, from 1st April 2026, funding will be received via the GLA under the integrated settlement.   2.1.3    Approve the managed transition from the current Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) Grant Funding Agreement to the GLA arrangements, including authority to submit final claims in arrears for allowable costs incurred up to 31st March 2026 and to agree extensions to termination dates if required to maintain continuity of funding.   2.1.4    In consultation with the Executive Mayor, delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Sustainable Communities, Regeneration & Economic Recovery to negotiate and enter into the necessary funding agreements with the GLA and any associated documentation, to secure and administer the Connect to Work funding for Croydon and the South London Partnership.   2.1.5    In consultation with the Executive Mayor, delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Sustainable Communities, Regeneration & Economic Recovery to agree any necessary contractual variations with the commissioned provider to reflect the change in funder and accountability, without altering core service design, key performance indicators or target cohorts.   2.2To note:   2.2.1    The Connect to Work programme remains fully externally funded. Unit rates, total values and participant volumes are unchanged and the DWP will continue to provide operational support alongside GLA oversight via the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) governance framework.  

Date of Decision: March 25, 2026