Decision details

Date of Decision:

10^th March 2026

Title:

Pathways to Work - Economic Inactivity Trailblazer Funding Allocations

Decision Maker:

(Including Job Title)

Andrew Bramidge (Executive Director Regeneration & Environment)

Details of Specific Delegation

or

Delegation contained in the relevant Sub-Scheme of Delegation.

14 April 2025 Cabinet Meeting Minutes

Resolved:

That Cabinet:- 

3. Delegates authority to the Strategic [Executive] Director, Regeneration and Environment, in consultation with Cabinet Member for Transport, Jobs and the Local Economy and the Section 151 Officer to determine detailed use of the grant or make any subsequent amendments to the proposed budget allocations.'

Minute 148 refers.

Decision:

Approve acceptance of RMBC’s confirmed allocation of continuation funding for the PtW Economic Inactivity Trailblazer to allow continuation of targeted delivery, driving system change and implementing an integrated employment, skills and health system, while also considering future funding in subsequent years.

Reasons for the Decision:

RMBC has had 2025/26 funding to establish, mobilise and deliver a localised programme against year 1 targets for the SY Economic Inactivity Trailblazer. The programme is now approaching year 2 and DWP have funded SY to build on the foundations laid in year one, further testing against the key test and learn areas, driving innovation and system change within localities

Details of alternative options considered and rejected:

Do not continue with year 2 delivery of Pathways to Work Economic Inactivity Trailblazer - Pathways to Work is a region-wide drive for system change within the employment, skills and health landscape, with a view to simplifying the system, improving the lives of residents, strengthening communities and addressing long-standing structural economic challenges. SYMCA and the four South Yorkshire LAs need to work in partnership to achieve this. Non-participation would result in Rotherham missing an opportunity to secure resources to address what is a persistent and increasing challenge to improving economic and social inclusion. Given the high profile of the Pathways to Work Commission, and with Government funding an Economic Inactivity Trailblazer for South Yorkshire, non-participation would carry significant reputational risk.

A withdrawal from the PtW EIT would result in an inability to build on the strong foundation already laid, resulting in essential support being removed from Rotherham residents, negatively impacting on stability, health and wellbeing, quality of lives and local economic growth. 

Conflicts of interest declared by any Cabinet Member consulted by the decision maker which relates to the decision:

None

Dispensations Granted:

(If any)

N/A

Conflicts of interest declared by the Decision Maker if they sit as a Cabinet appointed representative to an outside body which relates to the decision:

None

Dispensations Granted:

(If any)

N/A

Reports or parts of reports relevant to the decision being taken:

Delegated Officer Decision Report -Pathways to Work Economic Inactivity Trailblazer – Continuation Funding 2026-27

Part A – Initial Equality Screening Assessment

Part B – Equality Analysis Form

Carbon Impact