Communities across Wiltshire are being consulted on what youth activities they would like in their local communities as part of a wide-ranging review. Cllr Richard Gamble, Portfolio Holder for Education, Skills and Youth, will present details of the review being undertaken.
Minutes:
Cllr Richard Gamble, Portfolio Holder Education, Skills and Youth at Wiltshire Council, gave a presentation on the youth activity review currently taking place.
Cllr Gamble confirmed that the Council were keen to have the involvement of as many people as possible.
In order to address the changing needs of young people a report was submitted to Cabinet on 21 January.
This was also in line with Campus proposals which it was noted would provide new opportunities and would affect the way in which services were currently provided. The first campus was due to open in Corsham in June 2014.
The budget for 2014/15 had been set at Council on 25 February and included a need for Integrated Youth Services to make savings of £191,000.
The authority had a statutory duty to secure access to leisure time activities for young people. The Department of Education changed the guidance approximately 18 months ago that authorities should ‘enable’ services and not just ‘provide’ with an enhanced role for the voluntary sector in the community.
There were approximately 4,179 young people in the Chippenham community area. In 2012/13 £6,900 had been allocated to young people initiatives with support from several organisations, such as Chippenham Rugby Football Club, Chippenham Netball Club, Splash, Kandu Arts and 10th Chippenham Scout Group representing just a small selection. It was important that the large number of voluntary groups were linked in a more effective way to maximise the services offered.
The 4 options being consulted were:
· Retain the current in-house service but reduce the cost
· Outsource the service
· Encourage and support staff to form a Public Service Mutual
· Develop a community led approach
Cabinet at its meeting held on 21 January had expressed an interest in Option 4.
The consultation process started on Friday 31 January and a final report with recommendations for future provision was expected to be presented to Cabinet on 22 April.
Feedback received to date as part of the consultation emphasised two main points:
· The public wanted to have a say on future delivery
· A wide range of activities was wanted
The outcome of the consultation should:
· Provide a better service for young people
· Give greater influence to young people on local provision
· Target resources and funding to those who needed it most
· Protect the vulnerable with safeguarding a top priority
· Deliver youth services in a different way
· Provide value for money and use of resources
· Improve the future environment (the Campus programme would provide this)
· Reflect the revised government guidance
All were encouraged to submit their views via the following websites:
voiceandinfluenceteam@wiltshire.gov.uk
Further information could also be found at:
http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/council/consultations/consultationypactivitiesreview.htm
Comments received included that the voluntary sector was key in ensuring future youth services were provided in a way best suited to meet the changing needs of young people.
Cllr Gamble confirmed that he was aware of at least 43 voluntary groups and that sign-posting to these would be key in delivering youth services.
The Chairman thanked Cllr Gamble for the presentation and encouraged all to participate in the consultation.