Decision details

In September 2022 Executive agreed the Council’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) submission (ref: E/22/25). This included a skills proposal for 2022/23 at ‘Project 10’ in Appendix 1.

The Council received confirmation from HM Government on 5th December 2022 that it has been allocated the full amounts bid for (although only ‘provisionally’ for 2023/24 and 2024/25) and the Chief Executive has now returned the required documentation to HM Government confirming

acceptance of the funding.

This is the first decision associated with the use of that funding.

Ipswich Borough Council (IBC), Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Council (BMSDC), and West Suffolk Council (WSC) are all proposing to commission Lapwing to continue provision of support for NEET - Not in Employment (over 16 hours a week), Education, or Training - 16-24 year olds who are furthest from the labour market, across the four local authority areas. The young people in receipt of this support will be facing complex and entrenched barriers that prevent their general skills development, qualification attainment and progression into employment.

HM Government guidance made clear that skills projects in this year (2022/23) and next year are fundable providing that not funding such projects would result in an existing project coming to an end – and therefore the provision ceasing. This would be the case with the Lapwing project which

has been ESF and Lottery funding and was commissioned previously by Community Action Suffolk.

The decision is to fund Lapwing Suffolk Ltd £33,532 in this year (where the funding is definitely secured) and – subject to confirmation that the monies will be received from HM Government – the same amount in 2023/24. This requires an Exemption from Contract Standing Orders due to the amount and the fact that it is a direct award to one provider without a competition.

This is considered justified as (a) Executive has already considered the matter, and (b) it is the only way to continuity of provision – which is needed to meet the HM Government rules.

Comparable decisions are planned at three other Suffolk district councils.

The value of the exemption is £67,064 and would start immediately – effectively – and extend until 31st March 2024. If an exemption isn’t agreed the provision would cease – detrimentally impacting on NEETs – and the Council wouldn’t be able to deliver on its UKSPF commitments in

a timely manner.

Prior to making this decision Procurement, Finance and Legal Services were consulted. Their views were supportive of the exemption / proposal.

The matter has also been reviewed by the Section 151 officer who has recommended that from a financial perspective the decision proposed is an appropriate one.

This proposal has also been discussed with the economic development portfolio holder (Cllr

David Ellesmere). He supports the proposed decision.

(01) To contract with Lapwing Suffolk Ltd to continue provision of support for NEET - Not in Employment (over 16 hours a week), Education, or Training - 16-24 year olds who are furthest from the labour market, across the four local authority areas. The contract should provide for £33,532 of funding to be provided for 2022/23 and to commit to pay a further £33,532 in 2023/24

in the event that that funding is first received from HM Government.

(02) To note that the Chief Executive has exempted this decision (01) from Contract Standing Orders for the reasons set out on this form.

(03) To authorise the Property Services Operations Manager to complete / sign (etc) documentation associated with (01) above.

Reason:

The pandemic and the current economic crisis are having a major impact on young people and are pushing additional 16-24 years into not being in employment, education and training (NEET) with Ipswich. As a result, the Council’s UKSPF submission included this proposal and this decision would deliver on that commitment / proposal.