Decision details

(i)  To accept a grant of £2m from the European Social Fund via the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) for the Solent Jobs Programme, and approve, in accordance with Financial Procedure Rules, revenue expenditure for the delivery of the programme over a period of three years;

(ii)  To act as Lead Accountable Body for the administration of the grant funding for the Solent Jobs Programme, which totals £4m across the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) area; and

(iii)  To delegate authority to the Chief Operating Officer, following consultation with the Leader, to undertake such actions necessary to enable the successful delivery of the City Deal employment programmes, including procurement of services.

To enable Southampton City Council to receive funds to manage the delivery and implementation of the Solent jobs programme across the Solent area.

Southampton City Council has a role in ensuring the provision and integration of services to improve the economic and social well-being of its residents, and the surrounding area.

The projects will contribute to the Council’s key priorities regarding:

• Jobs for local people
• Prevention and early intervention
•  Protecting vulnerable people

Not to receive funding from ESF programme. If funding is not received, delivery, support and co-ordination of services will not be possible within Council resources.

Not to lead on the delivery and management of the Solent Jobs Programme. If these recommendations were not agreed it would result in loss of resourcing and provision of employment support services in Southampton for those who are long term unemployed with health conditions.