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flexible support fund
Written answer that sets out how much funding has been given to the flexible support fund over the last five years and what it has been spent on - the main areas being transport, childcare and training.
There have been some quite substantial underspends - possibly JC staff not letting claimants aware that it’s available? - and the level of funding has now reduced considerably
New Smart works scheme where women in Islington, Ladbroke Grove, Edinburgh, Reading, Stockport and Birmingham can get free clothes (to keep) for a job interview.
From touchbase -
To be eligible women must have an arranged job interview. Their work coach can then refer them to the scheme. At their appointment, women receive an outfit of high-quality clothing, free and theirs to keep, selected for them by 2 stylists. They then receive interview coaching with a senior HR or recruitment professional. All clothing is new or nearly new, donated by retailers and other women.
FOI response gives details of 2017/2018 funding levels, partial spending breakdown and who can and can’t access it.
Written answer that gives breakdown of Flexible Support Fund expenditure by geographical area and category for 16/17 and 17/18.
Unfortunately they have changed the category recording between the two years so, for example, childcare is recorded separately for 16/17 but absorbed into ‘removing barriers’ in 17/18 so difficult to make comparisons across the years. Also all before Amber Rudd announcing fund was available for childcare.
Rules about the flexible support fund - you do not talk about the flexible support fund