A fresh look at the way youth services are delivered on the Isle of Wight has resulted in initial proposals being developed for a more targeted service with dedicated funding to cater for local needs.
As part of the new Isle of Wight Council administration’s root and branch review of council services, Councillor Richard Priest has been considering youth service provision on the Island.
In a paper, which was endorsed by the councils Cabinet members on Tuesday gone, initial proposals being suggested for more consideration, include:
- [sociallocker id=”17158″]A more targeted service designed around the needs of local communities;
- Working more closely with town and parish councils and the voluntary sector;
- Funding to commission youth provision in local communities from savings made through moving away from direct service provision and reducing the amount of money spent on buildings;
- The provision of youth and community support to assist in the development and of high quality community provision of positive activities for young people;
- Closer working with existing Children’s Services teams to provide improved early help support.
The proposals also result in a reduction in total budget of approximately £200,000, reflecting the council’s current financial situation.
Councillor Richard Priest, Cabinet member for children’s services, said:
“The proposals are consistent with a commitment to fully involve local communities, and the voluntary sector, in delivering services for young people locally on the Island – as well as maintaining targeted services as part of an overall strategy.
“These proposals do realise savings at this financially challenging time, but more importantly releases revenue and capital resources which can be reinvested to achieve a wider range of services and strengthen the communities where they are delivered.”
As part of the root and branch review, staff, local communities and young people themselves will be consulted on the initial proposals. These will be considered and a more detailed report will go before Cabinet in spring 2014. [/sociallocker]
