Agenda item

A briefing note is attached. Paula Bromley (Principal Youth Officer) will attend to answer questions.  

Paula Bromley (Principal Youth Officer) introduced this report  and informed the members that the Youth service was under severe financial pressures. The budget reduction proposals had been discussed with key internal stakeholders (including staff) and were about to be published for consultation with external bodies, including parish and town councils. She drew the members attention to the proposed reduced provision as laid out in the report. However, more positively, Southside Youth Hub had received a £2.2m grant from the government and would be developed into a first-class facility. There was also funding for a mobile service which would be taken out to rural areas. Paula Bromley acknowledged the important role of the voluntary sector and informed the meeting that a development worker was to be appointed to work with that sector – the focus would be on vulnerable young people and those in rural areas. A public consultation would start in late October, the outcome of which would identify which parts of the youth service the public wished to prioritise.

A representative from Batheaston commented that the Parish Counci had not yet heard anything about this consultation and were concerned that the final decisions about the service had already been made. Paula Bromley replied that no final decisions had been made and that she had been in discussion with the Parish clerk and the local management committee about other potential funding streams. The representative expressed futher concern about inaccuracies in the youth service newsletter and that the provision in rural areas was being sacrificed to keep Bath groups going. Malcolm Hanney (Cabinet Member for Resources) commented that the cuts in the youth service had already been signalled in the previous budget and so it was widely acknowledged that it was impossible for the service to continue in its present form. The entire council budget had to be cut by 28% over the next four years, so prioritisation was vital. He acknowledged that there would be inequity in certain areas but that it was necessary to develop a youth service that was viable across the whole authority.

Peter Duppa-Miller commented that he understood the need for a targetted budget, but he was concerned that help was being focussed on the more populous areas to the detriment of the smaller rural communities which were isolated through lack of reliable public transport. Paula Bromley acknowledged that it was more difficult to deliver services to some parts of the rural areas, but it was hoped to take the mobile service out to them and also make use of detached youth workers.

A representative from Clutton enquired whether B&NES Council could help their village youth club with a grant towards the cost of a lease. Paula Bromley and Malcolm Hanney agreed to look into the request.

A representative from Keynsham commented that the youth service in the town was in the position of having a building but no staff. Despite having recognised pockets of social deprivation, there was nowhere for young people to go. Paula Bromley replied that the needs in Keynsham were recognised and that the youth clubs were well used. It was intended to approach Cadburys and other local companies for additional funding to secure future youth activities in the town.

The Chair thanked Paula Bromley for attending and for her contribution.