Issue - meetings

This agenda item will be considered in two parts:

6a. Presentation from Councillor Neil Hampson (Member of Overview and Scrutiny Committee) highlighting the findings and recommendations of the Task and Finish group on employment and skills opportunities for young people in Gloucester.

6b. The response of the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and economy on the recommendations of the Task and Finish Group.

RESOLVED:

That the recommendations of the Overview and Scrutiny Task and Finish Group, as set out in Appendix 2 to this report, be addressed and matters that can be actioned without the need of a further report be implemented at the earliest opportunity and that those recommendations requiring more detailed consideration be the subject of a further report to Cabinet as necessary.

The Chair welcomed Cllr Hampson to present the findings and recommendations of the Task and Finish Group on employment and skills opportunities for young people in Gloucester.

Councillor Hampson reported that the Task and Finish Group operated between November 2015 and February 2016 to specifically look at employment and skills opportunities for young people in Gloucester.  They had hoped to talk directly to young people, but the tight timescales prevented this. Councillor Hampson summarised the report and highlighted some of the main areas considered by the Group as well as drawing particular attention to their conclusions regarding the barriers to young people reaching their potential.

Councillor Norman (Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources) welcomed the work of the Task and Finish Group and its recommendations, particularly noting the potential to work in partnership with the County Council and other interested bodies in the area of careers advice and guidance. 

Councillor Organ (Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning) asked whether there was any evidence to support the finding that poor housing was a challenge for young people. He stated that the report was interesting and noted the clear findings.

Councillor Hampson explained that the finding in respect of poor housing being a barrier for young people was anecdotal and agreed that without proper evidence this should be removed from the report.

The Chair thanked the Task and Finish Group for their work and welcomed the findings and recommendations as a helpful prompt for wider issues.

RESOLVED:

(1)        That the recommendations of the Overview and Scrutiny Task and Finish Group, as set out in Appendix 2 to this report, be addressed and matters that can be actioned without the need of a further report be implemented at the earliest opportunity and that those recommendations requiring more detailed consideration be the subject of a further report to Cabinet as necessary.