Decision details

1.   That the update on the closure and performance of the 2021/2022 academic year, set out in Section 2 of the report, be considered and noted.

2.   That the proposed cost of delivery exceptional payment to devolved AEB Skills Providers for the 2022/2023 academic year, and the granting of delegated authority to the Chief Executive Officer, GMCA & TfGM, GMCA Treasurer and GMCA Monitoring Officer, in consultation with the Portfolio Leader and Portfolio Lead Chief Executive for Education, Skills, Work, Apprenticeships and Digital be approved. This will enable the taking forward of the appropriate approach for the 2023/2024 academic year.

3.   That it be noted that the proposed commissioning approach and the progressing of the developments including for the second phase of commissioning, and the granting of delegated authority to the Chief Executive Officer, GMCA & TfGM, GMCA Treasurer and GMCA Monitoring Officer, in consultation with the Portfolio Leader and Portfolio Lead Chief Executive for Education, Skills, Work, Apprenticeships and Digital will allow for taking forward the AEB commissioning to contract award.

4.   That approval be given to the proposed indicative devolved AEB allocations, ‘Level 3 Single Pot’ and subsequent expenditure for the GM grant-funded further education institutions, and that authority be delegated to the GMCA Treasurer to agree any minor changes that arise during discussions between each institution and GMCA.

5.   That support be continued for the administration and management costs at 1.8% of the overall devolved AEB funding for the 2023/2024 academic year.

6.   That GMCA Officers and wider stakeholders be allowed to agree a GM offer for traineeships which now forms part of the funding under the devolved AEB allocation and that authority be delegated to the GMCA Treasurer to take forward any commissioning, including to contract award where relevant.

7.   That the Mayor of Greater Manchester approved the proposed indicative devolved AEB allocations, ‘Level 3 Single Pot’ and subsequent expenditure for the GM grant-funded local authorities, and that authority be delegated to the GMCA Treasurer to approve any minor changes that arise in the course of discussions between each local authority and GMCA.

8.   That the Mayor of Greater Manchester approved the continuation of the AEB LA Grant Programme to each of the ten local authorities, supporting alleviating barriers to adult skills, improving digital inclusion through skills, and continue the support of the GM ESOL Advice Service for 2023/2024.