Hull City Council’s cabinet has approved Government funding set to help people in Hull find work.
The cabinet has given the green light for the Department for Work and Pensions’ Connect to Work programme which will provide the region £4.4 million a year for three years.
The cabinet heard that the funds will be used to help up to 1,200 people, putting at least a third (~400 people) into employment. The scheme is aimed to help people who are disabled, have a long-term health conditions or are from a named disadvantaged group such as:
- Carers
- Care leavers
- Offenders
- Homeless people
- Victims of domestic abuse or modern slavery
Despite the Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority (HEYCA) having been established, Hull City Council will receive the funding and will become the body responsible for both Hull and the East Riding and will then distribute the funds to delivery partners. A report to the cabinet states: “DWP have confirmed Hull City Council would continue as the accountable body for this programme even though the Mayoral Combined Authority has now been formed over the same geography and weekly meetings have been occurring the Hull City Council officers and DWP.”
Cabinet members approved the funding however a number of councillors did raise concerns. Councillors Linda Chambers and Linda Tock, both said that the programme will need to be closely monitored. With Cllr Tock saying the scheme is a “really positive move as long as we keep out eye on the ball.”
By: Andrew Spence, LDRS
