Agenda item

This report outlines a proposed new delivery model for Youth Services in Brent based on a community-led approach that is developed and delivered in partnership with the community, voluntary and social enterprise sector (VCSE) and other stakeholders.

(i)         that the financial context for the Council’s Youth Services and the issues and opportunities related to the future delivery of youth services be noted;

(ii)        that officers carry out further consultation with staff, stakeholders and young people on the proposal for a new, independent Young Brent Foundation and on potential changes to the Council’s current Youth Service provision, in line with the broad model set out in section four of the report from the Strategic Director of Children and Young People;

(iii)       that it be noted that the revised service model set out for the Council’s service (see paragraphs 4.11 – 4.15 of the Director’s report ) does not include continuation of direct delivery of youth centre provision, with new partnership arrangements required to sustain delivery;

(iv)       that officers be instructed to ensure active involvement of young people and a wide range of partners in the further development of the new service model;

(v)        that it be noted that the further work to develop and implement the new service model for youth services would be undertaken as part of the One Council Programme.

Councillor Moher (Lead Member, Children and Young People) introduced the report which outlined a proposed new delivery model for Youth Services in Brent based on a community-led approach that was developed and delivered in partnership with the community, voluntary and social enterprise sector (VCSE) and other stakeholders. The model outlined built on the outcomes of a recent options appraisal that was commissioned and funded by the Cabinet Office as part of its Delivering Differently for Young People Programme (DDYP). It also took into account budget decisions on the Council’s Youth Services which would take effect from 2016/17 and which required a new approach to be taken.

Councillor Moher drew attention to the financial and operational context for Brent Youth Services, the proposed new model for youth service in Brent and the strands currently covered by the Service. She stressed that the council was not alone in having to deal with significant funding reductions and she drew attention to the options put forward in the recent appraisal stating that preferred proposal was to develop of a community led commissioning organisation for youth services retaining some services for the centre. Councillor Moher emphasised that consultation with young people would be widespread, in particular with the Youth Parliament. She accepted that the council could not afford to continue to run four youth centres and community asset transfers were being considered. In response to a question, Councillor Moher advised that consideration would be given to whether dedicated youth support was the best way forward.

Councillor Pavey (Deputy Leader) hoped for a slimmed down improved service and stressed the need for a speedy decision given the timescales. Councillor Moher acknowledged the timescales and stressed the need for the council and voluntary sector to work together, map provision and ensure that needs were being met. She also emphasised that funding would need to be targeted to those most in need.

Councillor Butt queried the timescales and raised questions on the detail of the report. The Strategic Director, Children and Young People clarified that the council had a statutory duty to promote access to youth services and the Young Brent Foundation would play a role in giving increased access to external funding sources and other financial benefits. The cost for operational contingency referred to in the report was standard for three months running costs for an independent an organisation. On engagement with the business sector, the Cabinet heard that employers were already engaged and this would continue. Regarding the proposals for the new group to be co-located with an existing service, it was noted that options were still open. Brent CVS would be playing a leading role.

The Cabinet also had before them an appendix to the report which was not for publication as it contained the following category of exempt information as specified in Schedule 12 of the Local Government (Access to Information Act) 1972: 

Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

RESOLVED:

(i)         that the financial context for the council’s Youth Services and the issues and opportunities related to the future delivery of youth services be noted;

(ii)        that officers carry out further consultation with staff, stakeholders and young people on the proposal for a new, independent Young Brent Foundation and on potential changes to the Council’s current Youth Service provision, in line with the broad model set out in section four of the report from the Strategic Director, Children and Young People;

(iii)       that it be noted that the revised service model set out for the council’s service (see paragraphs 4.11 – 4.15 of the Director’s report) does not include continuation of direct delivery of youth centre provision, with new partnership arrangements required to sustain delivery;

(iv)       that officers be instructed to ensure active involvement of young people and a wide range of partners in the further development of the new service model;

(v)        that it be noted that the further work to develop and implement the new service model for youth services would be undertaken as part of the One Council Programme.