Issue - meetings

A report proposing that the Council act as the accountable body on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to deliver Connect to Work Employment Support Programmes across Warwickshire and enter into a series of grant funding agreements.

Cabinet Portfolio Holder – Councillor Martin Watson

Councillor Martin Watson, Portfolio Holder for Economy, introduced the report which proposed that the Council act as the accountable body on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to deliver Connect to Work Employment Support Programmes across Warwickshire and enter into a series of grant funding agreements.

Councillor Watson highlighted the positive work taking place in Warwickshire, citing the Get Britain Working campaign.  He advised that the DWP had chosen Warwickshire to help drive a number of support services, including encouraging adults with learning disabilities, autism and those struggling to overcome mental health barriers to access employment.  The model had been proven to work well with the financing hoping to support up to 700 people, with 50% accessing paid sustainable employment. 

Councillor Watson explained that funding was currently in place to 2027 but it was hoped this could be extended to 2029. 

The Leader shared Councillor Watson’s excitement and recognised some of the fantastic opportunities available.  She hoped this report would help to spread the word and enable more people to engage with employment and encouraged the Council to lead by example in this area.

Councillor Kaur welcomed this good news story, advising that a new Intern Coordinator had been recruited with an aim to support internships across Warwickshire.  She felt these opportunities were particularly positive for individuals with SEND.

Councillor Watson thanked Members for their comments and support and proposed the recommendations in the report.

Resolved

That Cabinet

1)    Authorises the Council to act as the accountable body on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to deliver Connect to Work Employment Support Programmes across Warwickshire;

2)    Authorises the Council to enter into a series of grant funding agreements with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) enabling the Council to develop and deliver the Connect to Work Programmes from April 2025 and for such period as the Programmes continue to be funded; and

3)    Authorises the Executive Director for Communities to enter into grant agreements with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) related to the Programmes, including any extensions thereto, on terms and conditions acceptable to the Executive Director for Resources.