Purpose

Approval to go out to public consultation on
the Youth Services Strategy 2024 – 2027.

Bracknell Forest Council and its partners recognise the need for a
clear strategic vision to drive and shape our youth service
provision. It is vital that we undertake a public consultation to
provide opportunities for feedback to those who will benefit from
or who have a stake in youth services in Bracknell Forest. This
will ensure that the strategy is supported by our young people,
partners and the wider community. The Youth Service is a priority
for the Labour Executive as outlined in their 2023 manifesto.

In addition, Bracknell Forest Council has a duty to secure
sufficient youth services in the borough. Statutory guidance for
local authorities on providing youth services, related to Section
507B of the Education Act (1996), as amended by the Education and
Inspections Act (2006), places a duty on local authorities to
‘so far as reasonably practicable,’ secure for
qualifying young persons in the authority’s area access to
sufficient educational leisure-time activities which are for the
improvement of their well-being, and sufficient facilities for such
activities, and, efficient recreational leisure-time activities
which are for the improvement of their well-being, and sufficient
facilities for such activities.

Decision

RESOLVED that:
 

      
i.        
the Executive approve the draft strategy and agree that the final
consultation plan will be agreed with Executive Member for
Children, Young
People and
Learning.
 

    
ii.        
the Executive to note the invitation to Members to join a dedicated
session
to provide feedback
on the draft strategy.
 

   
iii.        
the Executive to note the intention to bring back a final strategy
for Executive to approve following the consultation which will also
include a detailed action plan.