Decision details
Youth Services Strategy Public Consultation
PDF 70 KBDecision Maker: Executive
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Is Key decision?: Yes
Is subject to call in?: Yes
Purpose:
Approval to go out to public consultation on
the Youth Services Strategy 2024 – 2027.
Bracknell Forest Council and its partners recognise the need for a
clear strategic vision to drive and shape our youth service
provision. It is vital that we undertake a public consultation to
provide opportunities for feedback to those who will benefit from
or who have a stake in youth services in Bracknell Forest. This
will ensure that the strategy is supported by our young people,
partners and the wider community. The Youth Service is a priority
for the Labour Executive as outlined in their 2023 manifesto.
In addition, Bracknell Forest Council has a duty to secure
sufficient youth services in the borough. Statutory guidance for
local authorities on providing youth services, related to Section
507B of the Education Act (1996), as amended by the Education and
Inspections Act (2006), places a duty on local authorities to
‘so far as reasonably practicable,’ secure for
qualifying young persons in the authority’s area access to
sufficient educational leisure-time activities which are for the
improvement of their well-being, and sufficient facilities for such
activities, and, efficient recreational leisure-time activities
which are for the improvement of their well-being, and sufficient
facilities for such activities.
Decision:
RESOLVED that:
i. the Executive approve the draft strategy and agree that the final consultation plan will be agreed with Executive Member for Children, Young
People and Learning.
ii. the Executive to note the invitation to Members to join a dedicated session
to provide feedback on the draft strategy.
iii. the Executive to note the intention to bring back a final strategy for Executive to approve following the consultation which will also include a detailed action plan.
Reasons for the decision:
i. The proposed Youth Services Strategy 2024 – 2027 policy has been created
following a comprehensive data analysis, consultation and feedback on the proposed draft and priorities included.
ii. The proposed strategy supports the Council’s plan to ensure engaged and healthy communities. Youth services is a political priority of the labour executive as outlined within their manifesto for the local elections in 2023.
iii. Stakeholder consultation is an important part of the development of the youth
strategy, enabling young people, families, members, key stakeholders, and wider residents to understand and comment on the proposed strategy.
Alternative options considered:
An alternative option would be not to develop a youth strategy. However, given that
there is not currently a strategic document identifying and driving the shape of youth
services locally, this is not an option.
Interests and Nature of Interests Declared:
None
Reason Key: Affects more than 1 ward;
Wards Affected: (All Wards);
Financial Impact: N/A
Declarations: None
Subject to Urgent Proceedings: No
Making Representations: In writing to the Executive Director of People
Other reasons / organisations consulted
Online consultation, focus groups and one to
one discussions
Consultees
Young People, Parents/Carers, Professionals,
Communities
Contact: Audrey Johnson, Assistant Director: Early Help & Communities Email: audrey.johnson@bracknell-forest.gov.uk, Donna Leedham, Head of Early Help Email: donna.leedham@bracknell-forest.gov.uk, Grainne Siggins, Executive Director People Email: grainne.siggins@bracknell-forest.gov.uk.
Report author: Audrey Johnson
Publication date: 06/02/2024
Date of decision: 06/02/2024
Decided at meeting: 06/02/2024 - Executive
Effective from: 15/02/2024
Accompanying Documents: