Decision details

The purpose of the report sought approval of three new policies relating to the general and regulatory functions delivered by Public Protection, Neighbourhoods and Environmental Enforcement functions.

ORDERED that Executive:

1.     APPROVE the acceptance of external grant funding of £3,114,939 that would enable the extension of the Changing Futures programme in Middlesbrough for a further three years from April 2026 to March 2029.

2.     APPROVE the principles and terms of the Memorandum of Understanding.

3.     DELEGATE to the Director of Public Health the authority to approve expenditure in accordance with the Changing Futures Delivery Plan, as directed by the Changing Futures Board, for the funding period April 2026 - March 2029.

REASONS

Accepting the funding would not only help those with multiple disadvantages, continued involvement in the Changing Futures programme would also give Middlesbrough a further opportunity for ongoing learning through the programme to improve its approaches across the partnership, build the reputation of the Council with key Government departments and increase the likelihood of further funding and support.

One of the core principles of the programme was to work in partnership across local services and the voluntary and community sector, building strong cross-sector partnerships at a strategic and operational level. As such the Council should consider itself as the host and partner in the programme, rather than key decision-maker. Delegating the allocation of monies and management of procurement processes to the Director of Public Health on behalf of the Middlesbrough Changing Futures Board supported the development of a true partnership approach which was an essential element of this programme. 

OPTIONS

Do nothing and do not accept the funding. This would deny Middlesbrough the opportunity for investment in the continuity of existing Changing Futures projects and improvement into services for some of the area’s most complex and vulnerable residents.