Issue - meetings
Communities for Work
Meeting: 16/05/2023 - Environment & Economy Overview & Scrutiny Committee (Item 6)
6 Communities 4 Work 
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Additional documents:
Decision:
RESOLVED:
That the closure of the Communities for Work programme and the new
arrangements to support long term unemployed people be supported.
Minutes:
The Enterprise and Regeneration Manager presented the report to provide an update on the closure of the Communities for Work programme across Wales following end of the European Structural Fund programmes. He provided background information and advised that In December 2022 it was announced that Flintshire would receive sufficient Welsh Government funding to continue to provide the Communities for Work support and enable the Council to retain the staff team to do so. The report provided an update on the programme and the changes which had taken place and future priorities.
The Manager C4W/C4W+ gave an overview of the key points, as detailed in the report, and referred to the Communities for Work Plus (C4W+) programme, pathway programmes, jobs fairs, social care pathways, and partnership work with local employers.
Councillor Bernie Attridge asked how individuals were referred to the work programmes. He also asked for an update on work with Waites. The Manager C4W/C4W+advised that work with Waites was continuing and commented on the successful outcomes. She also explained that any person in Flintshire aged 16+ and unemployed could access the C4W+ Programme.
Councillor Paul Johnson commented on the need to raise awareness amongst Members and the general public of the opportunities available with the Programme.
Councillor Hilary McGuill raised questions around the financial implications for people in receipt of social support payments. She also asked if refugees/asylum seekers living in Flintshire were eligible to access the Programme. The Manager C4W/C4W+ explained that the Service worked with any individual who lived in Flintshire and each individual had a robust mentor review to assess needs, background, and financial position. She confirmed that refugees coming into the County were supported.
The recommendation, as set out in the report, was moved by Councillor Roy Wakelam and seconded by Councillor Dan Rose.
RESOLVED:
That the closure of the Communities for Work programme and the new
arrangements to support long term unemployed people be supported.