Issue - meetings

This report details the outcomes of consultation with young people and other stakeholders on a proposed new model for youth services in Brent. Following consideration of consultation outcomes, the report recommends priorities for future investment and a preferred delivery model. It seeks Cabinet’s approval to invite tenders for the management and operation of the Roundwood myplace Centre and the delivery of a wider youth services offer, as required by contract standing orders 88 and 89.

Cabinet noted the outcomes of consultation on potential changes to the Council’s current Youth Services provision as detailed in section four of the report and Appendix One of the report.

Cabinet approved the future service priorities for Brent Council’s Youth Services set out in section five of the report.

Cabinet approved officers inviting tenders for the management and operation of the Roundwood myplace Centre and delivery of a wider youth offer in line with the approach detailed in section six of the report and on the basis of the pre-tender considerations set out in paragraph 6.6 of the report.

Cabinet approved officers evaluating tenders referred to in paragraph 2.3 above on the basis of the evaluation criteria set out in paragraph 6.6 of the report.

Cabinet authorised officers to include a draft lease in the invitation to tender documents on terms to be agreed by the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Growth in consultation with the Chief Legal Officer and Head of Procurement.

Cabinet noted that the Strategic Director, Children and Young People will approve the final specification for the service in consultation with the Lead Member for Children and Young People.

Cabinet noted that revised management arrangements for the Roundwood myplace Centre will require formal approval from the Cabinet Office and Education Funding Agency for the

reasons detailed in paragraph 7.8.

Cabinet  noted that staff consultation on changes to the Youth Service will commence in November 2015 in order to deliver achieve agreed savings.

Cabinet noted that organisations tendering will be expected to demonstrate that they will collaborate with local voluntary and community (VCS) sector youth service providers and the Young Brent Foundation to strengthen the borough’s overall youth offer.

Councillor Moher, Lead Member for Children and Young People, introduced the report. She stated that the report and appendices provided details of the outcomes of consultation with young people and other stakeholders on a proposed new model for youth services in Brent.

Councillor Moher outlined that, following consideration of consultation outcomes, the report recommended priorities for future investment and a preferred delivery model. It sought Cabinet’s approval to invite tenders for the management and operation of the Roundwood myplace Centre and the delivery of a wider youth services offer, as required by contract standing orders 88 and 89.

Councillor Pavey, Deputy Leader, expressed his support for the principle of the proposed new model welcoming the creative approach to ensure service delivery. Councillor Pavey stated that the children and young people of the Borough supported the provision at Poplar Grove, expressing his support for continued service provision at the centre.

In response to a question from Councillor Pavey, Councillor Moher responded that an in-house model proposal would be welcomed.

Councillor Mashari, Lead Member for Employment and Skills, stated that officers and lead members should be commended for identifying and pursuing a creative approach to new service delivery, and that the Council was faced with extremely difficult decisions given central government funding reductions.

Councillor Mashari raised the issue of ensuring continued support to LGBT youngsters.

In response to a question from a member of the public in the audience regarding the Council’s support from the Brent Youth Foundation, Gail Tolley, Strategic Director, Children and Young People, responded that the tender procedure would be an open or one stage process, helping to limit the time and cost for both bidders and the authority and reducing risks to the authority.

Cllr W Mitchell Murray expressed sadness at the possible loss of valued experience staff currently working in the youth service.

In response to the question from Councillor W Mitchell Murray, Councillor Butt, Leader of the Council, echoed the points raised by Councillor Mashari in that savings across council departments were required in response to reductions in central government funding.

Councillor Moher responded that the procurement process could give rise to a TUPE process and that any new provider could employ former council staff to continue.

Councillor Pavey expressed his support that funding of £64,000 would be retained within the Council’s Youth Support Services budget to cover the running costs of the Brent Youth Parliament (BYP).

RESOLVED:

(i)         that the outcomes of consultation on potential changes to the Council’s current Youth Services provision as detailed in section four of the report and Appendix One of the report be noted;

(ii)        that approval be given to the future service priorities for Brent Council’s Youth Services set out in section five of the report;

(iii)       that approval be given to the invite of tenders for the management and operation of the Roundwood myplace Centre and delivery of a wider youth offer in line with the approach detailed in section six of the report and on  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4