Issue - meetings

The Board received a report on the progress made in attempting to renegotiate the incapacity related benefits stretch target. Both requests to remove the condition in the stretch target agreement that prevents the Haringey Guarantee from engaging with people on the mainstream programme Pathways to Work and to change the make-up of the target had been agreed by the DWP, but were subsequently both refused by the CLG on the grounds of value for money concerns and the precedent that would be set for other agreements. Clarity had, however, been obtained on where the condition relating to engagement with people on mainstream programmes applies, meaning that people initially registered on the Haringey Guarantee can be referred to Reed, as the Pathways to Work provider, for support.

Although the request was refused, this clarity around the condition in the stretch target agreement was a positive development. The Board noted that the deadline for meeting the stretch target was March 2010, but that the partnerships that had been formed in working to this target would be more lasting.

RESOLVED

That the content of the report be noted.