Decision details

Place Partnership Fund - Young Creative Producers Programme

Decision Maker: Executive Director Health & Care (Deputy Chief Executive)

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: No

Purpose:

Accept £181,640 from Arts Council England and deliver the Oldham Young Creative Producers Programme (YCPP), with a commitment to £30,000 match funding. This option enables the Council to implement a high-impact programme that develops creative skills, supports pathways into employment, and strengthens the borough’s cultural infrastructure. It maximises external investment and delivers against key corporate priorities, including skills development, inclusion, and regeneration.

Decision:

RESOLVED - That:

accept the funding

Reasons for the decision:

Option 1: Accept the Arts Council England (ACE) Funding (Recommended)
Accept £181,640 from Arts Council England and deliver the Oldham Young Creative Producers Programme (YCPP), with a commitment to £30,000 match funding. This option enables the Council to
implement a high-impact programme that develops creative skills, supports pathways into employment, and strengthens the borough’s cultural infrastructure. It maximises external investment and delivers against key corporate priorities, including skills development, inclusion, and regeneration.

Option 2: Decline the Funding
Decline the ACE funding and not proceed with the YCPP programme. This would result in the loss of £181,640 external investment and associated opportunities for young people. It would limit the Council’s ability to address local talent drain, reduce cultural sector capacity, and miss the
opportunity to embed youth voice in cultural programming. In addition, this option carries a reputational risk for the Council, particularly in relation to Arts Council England and local stakeholders. It may also negatively impact partnerships within the local Cultural Education Partnership, potentially undermining trust, future collaboration opportunities, and Oldham’s position in securing future external funding

Alternative options considered:

Option 2: Decline the Funding
Decline the ACE funding and not proceed with the YCPP programme. This would result in the loss of £181,640 external investment and associated opportunities for young people. It would limit the Council’s ability to address local talent drain, reduce cultural sector capacity, and miss the
opportunity to embed youth voice in cultural programming. In addition, this option carries a reputational risk for the Council, particularly in relation to Arts Council England and local stakeholders. It may also negatively impact partnerships within the local Cultural Education Partnership, potentially undermining trust, future collaboration opportunities, and Oldham’s position in securing future external funding

Other reasons / organisations consulted

n/a

Contact: Subnum Hariff-Khan, Library and Information Manager x 8070, Email: subnum.hariff-khan@oldham.gov.uk Email: subnum.hariff-khan@oldham.gov.uk.

Publication date: 01/10/2026

Date of decision: 20/07/2026

Accompanying Documents: