Agenda item

Report of the Cabinet Member Safety and Communities

The Cabinet Member Safety and Communities said she was delighted to present the report to Cabinet. Throughout the Covid crisis, a significant number of young people had been out on the streets, becoming involved in anti-social behaviour and at risk of exploitation by criminal gangs, partly because they had little else to do. She stressed that young people should feel like part of Cheltenham and know where they can seek help and talk to people about their problems.

She noted that the key question was how the council could make a difference when youth provision in many places had been cut over the years. She thanked a number of partners for providing financial support, and highlighted key elements of the report like the introduction of trained detached youth workers, who would specialise in particular areas but be able to help people all across Cheltenham.

She hoped that it would be the first step of a long and successful project that could be built across Cheltenham, and emphasised that children and young people must have access to quality youth workers who can support them as they grow as individuals.

The Cabinet Member Housing added that young people were one of the town’s most valuable assets, and that government funding cuts had long-term consequences. In his ward, the loss of youth provision over the years had had a genuine negative impact. He asked whether the Cabinet Member Safety and Communities would be willing to speak at one of his residents’ association’s meetings about this.

The Cabinet Member Finance and Assets emphasised that it was important to speak up for those who did not have much of a voice, and that he hoped it would be the first step of a successful process.

The Cabinet Member Waste, Recycling and Street Services agreed that the gradual loss of youth provision over the years had contributed to antisocial behaviour in the town. It was good to see council-led initiatives making a difference, and he hoped he would see an impact in the Warden Hill area.

The Leader praised the report and highlighted the importance of bringing about long-term, sustainable change.

The Cabinet Member Safety and Communities thanked colleagues for their words, and emphasised that funding would be an essential factor in the future. She added that she would be happy to meet with residents’ associations to hear their views and discuss how they could build on projects like this in the future.

The Leader moved to a vote, where it was unanimously:

RESOLVED THAT:

1.    The decision to grant £55,000 from the Commissioning Youth Work Fund to Inspire to Aspire C.I.C to carry out a programme of detached youth work across the borough for 12 months from July 2021 be approved;

2.    Authority be delegated to the Executive Director of People and Change to agree the terms of and sign the grant agreement, in consultation with the Cabinet Member Safety and Communities;

3.    It be recommended to Council that the grant of £20,000 to Cheltenham Performing Arts Festival in 2020, which could not go ahead, is approved to be used as the council’s contribution to the Commissioning Youth Work Fund as part of the financial out turn report.