Decision details

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet:

1.    Agrees to progress to public consultation with the proposed Youth Offer Vision and delivery model for Hillingdon. 

2.    Authorises the Executive Director of Children and Young People, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Children, Families & Education, to approve the approach to consultation.

3.    Agrees to receive a report back to consider the consultation responses and the final Youth Offer Vision and delivery model for approval, informed by the findings of the consultation exercise.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet agreed to public consultation on the Council’s proposed Youth Offer and the delivery model.The Cabinet Member for Children, Families & Education noted that the proposed new integrated youth offer would align with the Council's wider early help and prevention arrangements which would support all young people to reach their potential.

It was explained that the proposed offer sought to deliver a modern, accessible, responsive and dynamic service to meet the ever-changing needs of young people in Hillingdon. The proposed service delivery model would be informed by data and delivered through a flexible locality-based approach, and in-line with what young people had told the Council, in particular, through the 2021 survey of young people, which had received a positive response rate.

The Cabinet Member noted that the proposed delivery model set out a range of settings and formats for youth services, including providing them in schools, sports facilities and community centres, along with outreach services where required and a digital offer. The Cabinet Member stated that there would be for a minimum 6-week consultation and welcomed the views of young people and residents on the proposals.

The Leader of the Council noted that the proposals seek to improve the service the Council provides and echoed the Cabinet Member’s remarks encouraging young people and the public to engage in the consultation.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have considered approving implementation of the Youth Offer and Vision and delivery model without seeking further views, but considered this would miss potential opportunities to incorporate the views of residents and ensure the final Youth Offer and delivery model best met local needs.