Issue - meetings

   The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, Children and Young People on the provision of youth work and targeted youth support services in Halton.

            The Borough Council’s Youth Service had been delivered by the Greater Manchester Connexions Partnership since 2002/03. Since then a number of new pieces of legislation and guidance had been produced and in December 2008, Executive Board approved proposals for the future commissioning of the Youth Service.

             As the contract was in excess of £1million, a stringent tendering process had been undertaken as defined by EU Procurement regulations. The report gave details of the specification. Members were advised that a comprehensive and effective Youth Service would be an important aspect to ensure the Council could make a real difference to young people across the range of indicators, as described in the National Indicator Set for Children’s Services and Local Authorities PSA 14.

            In carrying out the selection process, the views and wishes of young people had been represented; a panel of young people were able to challenge and question providers as part of the interview process.

            Reason(s) for Decision:

To comply with recommendations as contained in Youth Matters and Youth Matters Next Steps.

To continue to address specific issues for young people in Halton such as to increase the numbers of young people who were engaged in education, employment or training and to reduce the numbers of under 18 conceptions.

The service would also ensure young people in Halton received services and support that encouraged and promoted their self esteem and self confidence and provided them with the skills, knowledge, choices and opportunities that would help them in making the tricky transition into adulthood and to become the future Halton needed as it moved further into the 21^st century.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

            None

            Implementation Date:

1 February 2010

   RESOLVED: That Executive Board appoint Action For Children as the approved supplier of Youth Work and Targeted Youth Support Services in Halton.