Agenda item
Services for Young People Project
A verbal update will be given at the meeting by the Assistant Director Policy.
Minutes:
The Assistant Director of Policy, Cathy Tyson, gave a verbal update on the One Council’s Services for Young People project. It was noted that there was a high proportion of young people in the borough, particularly ages 13-19, with a rising concern over the impact of poverty and deprivation could have on young person’s future employment.
Cathy Tyson explained that there was a complex range of fragmented services provided by the Council and a variety of voluntary agencies and the project wanted to ensure relevant and accessible provision was offered to the most vulnerable. The Council had a legal duty to provide effective leisure and educational activities which benefited the physical, social and emotional well-being of young people. The Assistant Director of Policy highlighted that recent changes in legislation did not specify the level of provision that was considered to be sufficient but highlighted that the services should reflect the needs and aspirations of young persons and be delivered as far as was practical. Mindful of the level of provision needing to be practical, a mapping exercise was being undertaken to ascertain the type of provision provided, geographical location, value for money by funded projects, number of users and frequency of service provided by the council and other agencies.
The Assistant Director of Policy informed the committee that the aims and key questions for the project (following the mapping exercise) included; a governance and commission strategy, reduction of duplication, focusing on beneficial outcomes from activities, supporting the most at risk and vulnerable young people, using youth centres creatively and preparing young people for adult life and employment.
A consultation exercise had been commissioned by an independent specialist group and as part of the project the Youth Parliament had been approached to help ensure a 25% consultation rate. The consultation would be undertaken during June and July and continued into the summer programme to test provision as well as include a broad based web survey, specific focus group and events.
During the discussion that followed, it was clarified that 0-19 year olds constituted 26%% of the population. Members felt that a visible register of all services available should be provided. The Assistant Director of Policy explained that courses often tended to be short therefore the register would frequently change which could result in communication of what was on offer being diluted. It was noted that the governance structure would help to regulate communication and the Youth Parliament was keen to build on Be My Voice.
Members queried how the project fitted in with supporting vulnerable young people. It was explained that by adjoining and aligning services, cross referencing could take place when referring vulnerable young persons. It was felt that young people from vulnerable families would benefit from mainstream provision and further consideration needed to be given to therapeutic behaviour provision.
Members enquired how radical the solutions could be and whether the council would withdraw from traditionally provided activities to fund alternative provision. It was felt that a balance needed to be struck between youth and sport provision with all options, including radical options being considered by members. It was noted that the youth and sport budget was approximately £2,600,000.00, ward working approximately £114,000.00, and specialist grant funded provision approximately £500,000.00
The members asked how the service provision could be improved whilst achieving savings. It was explained that through reconfiguration and effective commissioning, and addressing the work within the voluntary sector, efficiencies could be achieved whilst improving the service provided.
During discussion it was clarified that schools would be contacted as part of the consultation process and requested to take part in future communication initiatives. It was confirmed that outcomes were difficult to measure, particularly as the output may not be direct or obvious as well as potentially being long term.
RESOLVED:-
that the report be noted