Local councils are at loggerheads with welfare officials over the use of European Social Fund (ESF) cash used to help Britain's 'problem families', The MJ has learned. Since the DCLG last year assumed responsibility for the Troubled Families Unit led by Louise Casey, councils have sought greater direct involvement in local employment and skills provision, part-funded by ESF cash - but have had little luck convincing the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).Under the current framework for the provision of employment-related support services (ERSS), the DWP awarded contracts directly to external suppliers in December 2011, sidelining councils from some key decisions.The MJ understands that the DCLG and DWP have subsequently exchanged letters discussing the new arrangements. Separately, council officers have argued that the ERSS procurement process should take more account of the work local authorities are doing in partnership with Ms Casey's unit.
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