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DUDLEY ECONOMY CHIEF APPROVES FUNDING FROM WEST MIDLANDS COMBINED AUTHORITY FOR CONNECT TO WORK PLAN TO PROVIDE JOBS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE WITH HEALTH PROBLEMS MARTYN SMITH Local Democracy

reporter and MARTYN SMITH, LOCAL DEMOCRACY REPORTER 12:43, 02 Jun 2025 Dudley looks set to collect its share of a £5.7m fund aimed at helping young people with health problems into work.

Cllr Simon Phipps, Dudley cabinet member for economy and infrastructure, approved collecting up to £352,600 from a pot of cash provided by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA). If the

decision is rubber-stamped at a meeting on June 9, the cash will be spent as part of the Connect to Work initiative. READ MORE: COUNCIL SET FOR VOTE ON COMMUNITY PLAN TO SAVE PUBS FROM

CLOSURE READ MORE: MIDLANDS COUNCIL CONFIRMS CASH TO BE USED TO PAY FOR PARK REVAMP Cllr Phipps said: "Getting the best value out of these grants will be really important for local

people in Dudley borough. Article continues below "This funding will help a group of people who face significant barriers to getting into regular work, particularly young people with

complex health conditions or disabilities. "The more people we can help into work with this program the better. !We know that people who are working often have a far better quality of

life for themselves and their loved ones. "This also helps contribute towards a better Dudley borough overall, with greater economic prosperity and residents enjoying happier

lives." The council will spend the money over three years and initially plans to support 50 individuals, either to fund work or who are already working. Places will be secured by the

WMCA and delivered by the council which will monitor progress of young people, aged 18 to 29, who are taking part in the scheme. The WMCA is working with seven local councils, including

Dudley, on Connect to Work. Across the West Midlands, where youth unemployment is more than double the national average, there are 27,265 young people in receipt of Universal Credit, of

which 12,660 have health conditions. DON'T MISS THE BIGGEST AND BREAKING STORIES BY SIGNING UP TO THE BIRMINGHAMLIVE NEWSLETTER HERE Article continues below West Midlands mayor, Richard

Parker, said: "Every person in our region should have the same access to work opportunities – including people with disabilities or long-term health conditions. "By having the

same access to opportunities, everyone has the freedom to make the right choices for them – to help them earn, live independently and improve their health and wellbeing."