Agenda item - Youth Service Update and Use of Housing Revenue Account Funding

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Agenda item

Youth Service Update and Use of Housing Revenue Account Funding

Report of the Executive Director for Families, Children & Learning (copy

attached)

 

Contact Officer:       Caroline Parker                           Tel: 01273 293587

Wards Affected:      All Wards

Decision:

RESOLVED:

 

1)    That the Report be noted;

 

2)    That an extension for the Youth Contracts for six months to the end of September 2020 to allow more time for re-commissioning be agreed;

 

3)    That a progress report by the Committee in June 2020 be considered.

Minutes:

8.1       The Head of Service – Early Years Youth & Family Support, gave a brief overview of the report. Young People were introduced to provide a perspective from the participants of various groups and events that had been funded and developed by young people. The young people representatives noted the many positive outcomes as a result of the events such as a boost to confidence, rigorous preparation for independence, practice of diplomacy and having learned a framework for providing constructive criticism.  It was further noted that in many cases anxiety levels had been reduced as a result of engaging in a familiar community.

 

8.2       Councillor Hills requested a commitment be made to fund HRA in the event that it did not retain funding.

 

8.3       The Executive Director – Families, Children & Learning, clarified that the Policy, Resources and Growth Committee was responsible for any changes regarding the financing of the HRA and not the Housing Committee. It was further clarified that no further finance could be secured in the event that the HRA was defunded.

 

8.4       Councillor Sarah Nield enquired as to the duration of 6 months recommissioning period referred to on item 2.2.

 

8.5       The Head of Service – Early Years Youth & Family Support, stated that this was the necessary time to provide consultation with young people, housing tenants and other relevant parties.

 

8.6       Councillor Brown noted that there were many areas still in need of help and enquired if some thought could be given to people in other areas. Councillor Brown enquired of the reason for the high drop out rate.

 

8.7       The Integrated Team for Families Manager, stated that retention of independent visitors was positive. It was noted that many had stayed for up to 2 years and over.

 

8.8       The Head of Services – Early Years Youth & Family Support noted the open access opportunities in the City, it was further noted that part of the role of the providers had been to scope the need across the city.

 

8.9       Councillor Wares referred to services spread across the City and noted that Hollingbury had high deprivation, high anti-social behaviour and a reasonably high number of council tenants and enquired as to the reason for a lack of services in this ward.

 

8.10    The Head of Service – Early Years Youth & Family Support stated that the spread of services provided across the city were implemented as a result of work that was undertaken at the beginning of the process, it was noted that at the time of assessment it was found that Moulsecooomb was the primary focus however Hollingbury would be considered in the near future.

 

8.11    The Youth Works Representative, enquired if there were plans in place for voluntary sector organisations amidst growing need.

 

8.12    The Head of Service – Early Years Youth & Family Services stated that the youth grants programme was one was of sustaining this support. It was stated there was funding from organisations from other areas of BHCC such as St. Giles.

 

8.13    RESOLVED:

 

1)    That the Report be noted;

 

2)    That an extension for the Youth Contracts for six months to the end of September 2020 to allow more time for re-commissioning be agreed;

 

3)      That a progress report by the Committee in June 2020 be considered.

Supporting documents:

 


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