Purpose

The report seeks endorsement of the attached Peterborough Youth Justice Plan 2024–2027 and the 2026 annual review and refreshed delivery plan.

Decision

Cabinet RESOLVED to:

1. Endorse the attached Peterborough Youth Justice Strategy and Plan 2024–2027 and the 2026 annual review and refreshed delivery plan.  
2. Agree that the Youth Justice Management Board continues to oversee delivery of the plan, including quarterly monitoring of the refreshed 2026/27 delivery plan, performance information, risk and improvement activity.
3. Agree that progress against the plan is reported through existing governance arrangements, including Full Council, Children’s Scrutiny Committee and the Youth Justice Management Board as appropriate.
4. Approve the plan  for onward submission to Council for approval as it forms part of the Council’s Major Policy Framework.

Reasons for the decision

The to seek Full Council endorsement of the attached Peterborough Youth Justice Strategy and Plan 2024–2027 and the 2026 annual review. Local authorities have a statutory duty to publish and submit an annual Youth Justice Plan, setting out how youth justice services are provided, funded, governed and improved locally.

Alternative options considered

3.1         Do nothing: Cabinet could choose not to endorse the plan. This is not recommended because the local authority and statutory partners are required to maintain a clear Youth Justice Plan and annual review, and non-endorsement would weaken local governance, accountability and public assurance.

3.2        Delay endorsement: Cabinet could request further work before endorsement. This is not recommended because the 2026 annual review is already informed by inspection findings, performance information and partnership governance, and delay would affect the timely monitoring of the refreshed delivery plan.

3.3        Endorse the plan and annual review: this is the recommended option because it supports statutory compliance, transparent partnership governance and continued delivery of the agreed improvement priorities.