Decision details

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Communities outlining a proposal to pool multi-agency budgets to support learning, skills and employment of Southampton residents, and seeking authority for Southampton City Council to be  Lead Accountable Body for the administration and allocation of the funds.

(i)  To endorse the multi-agency strategic investment model.

(ii)  To accept, in accordance with Financial Procedure Rules, funding from external agencies, and act as Lead Accountable Body for the administration of the funds.

(iii)  To delegate authority to the Director of Environment and Economy, following consultation with the Leader, Head of Legal, HR and Democratic Services, to undertake such actions necessary to enable the successful delivery of the project.

(iv)  To approve, in accordance with Financial Procedure Rules and Procurement regulations, revenue expenditure on behalf of partner agencies of up to £2 million per annum for the project.

(v)  To approve that Southampton City Council will undertake all management, administration and reporting of the pooled fund, at a rate of 5% of the total budget. This will safeguard a post to administer the scheme.

1.  Officer delegation allows the Director to receive up to £125,000, however the value for this budget exceeds this amount, and a Cabinet approval is required.

2.  Whilst there is a range of services available to support Southampton residents into work, those who are long term unemployed with multiple barriers need additional activities which are not currently provided or funded through other means.

3.  Southampton City Council has compliant procurement frameworks for employment and skills support that can be used to call off services.

4.  Residents experiencing multiple barriers to employment have a disproportionate impact on health, crime and social indicators. By pooling budgets across agencies, a greater impact is possible across a wider range of outcomes.

1.  Not to pool budgets to strategically invest in communities: employment, welfare, health, crime and skills outcomes will not be maximised.

2.  Not to act as Lead Accountable Body: existing employment and skills Procurement Frameworks will not be available, partners will not invest, resources will be lost and the life-chances of Southampton residents will not be improved.