Agenda item

This report seeks to update the Panel on the work that has been undertaken to re-structure the Youth Connect Service in light of the need to reduce the overall budget for the service.

Councillor Eleanor Jackson addressed the Panel, she explained that her participation in the local youth club had begun 2006 prior to her election to the Council. She informed the Panel that provision for a centre for young people had been in place since the 1960’s.

She stated that its popularity has ebbed and flowed over the years, but that the work of officers associated with it has been fantastic.

She said that the centre’s satellite unit in Westfield has 75 regular attendees.

She commented that she was disappointed to not read within the report any indication of what the young people want in terms of services and support. She added that she would have liked the contribution of the local church to also have been acknowledged.

She stated that youth work should continue so that a level of stability is provided for those that use the service and that skill based work would be much welcomed.

She explained that Westfield Parish Council has given a priority to Youth Work in its current budget precept.

She said that in her experience young people want ‘a place that is ours’ and somewhere to feel ‘secure’.

Councillor Liz Hardman asked what the effect would be locally if there were to be a change in provision.

Councillor Jackson replied that regardless of whether the Council runs the service or a Staff Mutual comes to fruition it needs to have the appropriate professionals in place, Sam Plummer being one example. She added that she believed that volunteers will continue to help, but only under guidance.

Councillor Liz Hardman asked when the decision will be made about the Staff Mutual.

The Divisional Director for Safeguarding & Social Care replied first of all by addressing comments made by Councillor Jackson in her statement. He said that it was his understanding that this report was to update the Panel regarding the removal of the £0.5m from the budget and the subsequent implications to the service structure.

He explained that a report had been discussed in January at a meeting of the Council’s Senior Management Team (SMT), at which they had challenged officers to carry out due diligence tests regarding the Staff Mutual in terms of pensions, VAT and back office support.

He added that he had responded to SMT following consultation with Sally Churchyard and Sam Plummer and that further comments were expected over the next three to four weeks.

He commented that the service structure under discussion, that has been developed by Sam Plummer and Tracey Pike would fit both options, in house or Staff Mutual.

Councillor Liz Hardman asked has a decision already been made to dispose of the buildings, if not what will happen to them.

The Divisional Director for Safeguarding & Social Care replied that no decision has yet been made and that a Cabinet Member decision would be required in due course.

Councillor Liz Hardman asked was there an assumption that a single agency would manage all three buildings.

The Divisional Director for Safeguarding & Social Care replied that as the three buildings are not geographically close it is not anticipated that they will be managed by one single agency.

Councillor Lisa O’Brien commented that Keynsham Town Council runs its own Youth Service at a cost of around £70,000 per year. She said that a mix of qualified Youth Workers and volunteers is required to be able to run it effectively. She added that she was aware of a commercial organisation within Bristol that she believed was running successfully.

The Divisional Director for Safeguarding & Social Care commented that the benefit of a successful Staff Mutual is that it would allow the service to grow and subsequently be able to commission and contract services. He added that research had been carried out on different models from Bristol & Devon and he had seen that they can succeed.

Councillor Paul May commented that this is an important service to attempt to maintain in the best way we can. He stated that other Councils have made further cuts to their budgets in this work area. He said that he was supportive of the Staff Mutual concept and saw potential for it to succeed in B&NES and possibly expand within the local area.

The Chair said that a way forward needs to be found to benefit the young people of B&NES.

The Divisional Director for Safeguarding & Social Care commented that work has been ongoing for around a year, including consultations with staff, Unions, HR, Voluntary Sector and Parishes. He added that it was hoped to have a structure in place by October 1^st.

Councillor Lisa O’Brien commented that she felt young people were seeking to learn a range of skills as part of this provision and that officers need to be mindful of related Mental Health / Public Health issues.

Councillor Paul May said that WECA could be approached as a possible source of funding.

The Panel RESOLVED to note the report.