Issue - meetings

This report seeks approval to the capital contribution for the establishment of an Onside Youth Zone.

Cabinet RESOLVED

(1)      To confirm agreement to the proposed financial solution to enable the establishment of an OYZ in the borough, as set out in section 5.4 of the report.

(2)     That on the basis of (1) above, Cabinet give permission for officers to progress with a YIF bid, via Onside Youth Zones, setting out the Local Authority’s agreement in principle to the establishment of an OYZ, subject to finding a suitable site in the borough.

Councillor Mili Patel, Lead Member for Children’s Safeguarding, Early Help and Social Care, introduced a report on the development of an Onside Youth Zone (OYZ) in the borough.  The report was set within the context of a proposed bid to the Department of Culture, Media and Sports (DCMS) Youth Investment Fund (YIF) by OYZ that, if successful, would part fund the capital costs of building an OYZ in the borough. The report therefore sought permission to continue work to secure the bid and enable the establishment of an OYZ.

Members noted the positive offer tailored to individual boroughs provided through OYZs, as detailed within section 3 and Appendix 1 of the report.  Several OYZs were already in operation across London that were hugely successful and inspired young people to raise their aspirations and lead healthier and more positive lives. 

Members welcomed and supported the proposals and thanked officers for their efforts in moving the project forward in spite of the challenges posed by the pandemic. Alongside the proposal within the report, members also welcomed and thanked officers for their efforts in delivering the Roundwood Alternative Free School, which had now opened with a wraparound youth offer.

Councillor Knight, as Lead Member for Community Safety and Engagement, welcomed the consideration of the York House site in Wembley as the most viable option identified within the report for the establishment of an OYZ, given its proximity to youth offending hotspots.

It was RESOLVED that Cabinet:

(1)      Confirms its agreement to the proposed financial solution to enable the establishment of an OYZ in the borough, as set out in section 5.4 of the report.

(2)      On the basis of the above, give permission for officers to progress with a YIF bid, via Onside Youth Zones, setting out the Local Authority’s agreement in principle to the establishment of an OYZ, subject to finding a suitable site in the borough.