Norfolk County Council's Working Well Programme is performing strongly enough that the council has requested additional government funding to cope with unexpectedly high demand, Cabinet heard at its April meeting.

Cabinet Member for Economic Growth Cllr Fabian Eagle told colleagues the programme was on course to support over 1,200 people in its first year — a rate that would beat the national average.

The Working Well Programme is designed to help residents who face barriers to employment get back into work. Eagle also highlighted two other schemes running alongside it: the BOOST Programme, which supports local businesses and residents with skills and employment, and a new initiative helping 18 to 30-year-olds and veterans move into self-employment.

The update came as part of a broader round of portfolio reports to Cabinet. No specific figure was given for the additional funding requested from government, and no decision on that request rests with the council — it is for central government to determine.

Norfolk has faced longstanding challenges with skills and employment. At the same meeting, Cabinet approved a new strategic plan for its Adult Learning and Skills service, which noted that only 67.9% of Norfolk's working-age population hold qualifications at Level 2 or above, compared with 81.7% nationally — a gap the council has said it is working to close through targeted provision.