Agenda item

Purpose:

Further to Cabinet approval for the implementation of the Inspire2Achieve (I2A) and Inspire2Work (I2W) programme in March 2016, and July 2017 Youth Enterprise requests in principle support for additional match funding from Authority Invest to Redesign reserves for 2018-19 and Base Budget consideration from 2019-20 to 2022-23. This funding will enable the extension the existing I2A programme to December 2021 which provides education and well-being support with the aim of

reducing the risk of becoming NEET (Not Engaged in Education, Employment or Training) and the existing I2W programme to December 2022 which provides post 16 support, intervention and employment opportunities utilising European Social Fund (ESF) monies.

Recommendations:

The Committee considers the request for additional match funding from the Invest to Redesign reserves for 2018-19 and Base Budget Consideration from 2019-20 to 2022-23, offering recommendations which will inform the Cabinet.

Key Issues:

1.    I2A provides education and well-being support, and qualifications for young people aged 11-16 years most at risk of becoming NEET and I2W provides employability support, qualifications and work placements for unemployed young people aged 16 -24 years.

2.    The current I2A programme for 11-16 year olds was approved by Cabinet in March 2016 for three years (March 2019) at total project cost of £792,900 split between 45% ESF of £356,805 and 55% MCC match funding of £436,095.

3.    The current I2W programme for 16- 24 year olds was approved by Cabinet in July 2017 until February 2020. The total project cost was £401,609 split between 45% ESF of £180,724 and 55% MCC match funding of £220,885.

4.    Members have previously been made aware that Welsh Government has implemented the Youth Engagement and Progression Framework 2013, which provides a delivery model centred on the needs of young people identifying six key areas for achieving better outcomes for young people. The principles of the framework is embedded in the I2A and I2W programmes and is designed to secure added value whilst reflecting the needs and aspirations of Monmouthshire’s young people and the Authority’s Corporate Plan.

Member Scrutiny:

The Head of Enterprise & Community Development introduced the report and the Youth Enterprise Manager provided further information.  Following presentation of the report, Members were invited to comment.

A Member asked what arrangements were in the event that the European Social Fund is discontinued due to Brexit.  It was responded that the lifetime of the project is until 2023.  The lead authority, Newport City Council has liaised with the Welsh European Funding Officer and the situation looks promising at the current time. In response to a query, it was explained that there is a budget for the lifetime of the project and quarterly claims are submitted to obtain funds. Newport City Council monitors outcomes and the authority is RAG rated green for both projects.

The Head of Enterprise & Community Development added that the Rural Development Programme also receives European funding and there is no indication that it will be withdrawn at the present time. Post 2022 projects, however, are likely to be affected. 

A Member asked if a risk factor should be included related to a “no deal” Brexit where there could be no funding and suggested that there should be contingency arrangements.  It was responded that there is a UK Share Prosperity Fund that could be a replacement source for the European funding.

A Member noted that two of four indicators were achieved and asked what actions were in place to address the shortfall.  It was responded that that it is a priority to claim the four outcomes.  Officers continually look at pressure points for young people and how to support and mentor them.  

The Chair asked for more clarity around forecasting and equivalent percentages.  It was explained that there were only 8 young people leaving Year 11 last year as NEET in line with the strategy.