Decision - Adult & Community Learning

RESOLVED:

(1)         That a contribution of £40,000 from the HRA be set aside in the 2020/21 financial year only to support the funding requirements detailed in Option 1 in the report and subject to recommendation 3 below, and that any future HRA contributions be conditional on tenants support evidenced by consultation and that should this consultation be favourable, the HRA contribution be proportionate to the established benefits derived by tenants from these services, as also described in paragraph 3.41 of the report;

(2)         That the Adult and Community Learning be brought in-house following the expiry of the current arrangements on 31st July 2020;

(3)         That additional funding to be allocated to the Families, Children and Learning Directorate to cover the associated costs of bringing delivery in-house based on the option below be approved:

(i)     Funding anticipated being in the region of £61,030 in year 1, based on funding of £20,000 each for Neighbourhood Learning in Deprived Communities (Hangleton and Knoll and Whitehawk Inn) is provided by the Housing Revenue Account; and

(ii) If necessary, to explore other options to mitigate any loss of NLDC funding to the Hangleton and Knoll and Whitehawk Inn project resulting from the in-house proposal moving beyond year one, should no further funding be obtained from the HRA in future years .

Note: the costs for year two onwards for both options is dependent on securing suitable accommodation within the council.

(4)       That delegated authority be granted to the Executive Director for Economy, Environment & Culture to:

(i)   Secure a 1year lease or license as appropriate on Isetta Square from the Friends Centre; and

(ii)   Take any other steps necessary to implement the recommendations in this report.

(5)       That delegated authority be granted to the Executive Director for Families, Children & Learning to:

(i)   Take forward TUPE arrangements to facilitate the in-house provision of community learning currently delivered by the Friends Centre.

(ii)   Take forward the option to bring in-house two externally funded projects, Step by Step and Get Socially Active projects and manage TUPE arrangements and subsequent liaison with funders.

(iii) Take any other steps necessary to implement the recommendations in this report including a comprehensive review of the service after one and three years of operation to assess value for money, opportunities for efficiencies, investment and growth opportunities, performance, satisfaction, and impact on equalities data.

(6)       That delegated authority be granted to the Executive Director for Housing, Neighbourhoods & Communities to take forward the recommendation to fund Neighbourhood Learning in Deprived Communities from the Housing Revenue Account of £40,000; and

(7)       That the Audit & Standards Committee receive a report, to ensure good financial governance for the city council.