Agenda item

To receive and consider the report of the Administrative Assistant – Communities & Engagement and to note the minutes of the meeting held on 3 September 2026.

The Committee received and considered the report of the Administrative Assistant - Communities & Engagement together with the minutes of the Youth Council meeting held on 3 September 2026.

Members welcomed the continued enthusiasm shown by Youth Councillors and were pleased to note that two additional members had joined. It was further noted that the Annual General Meeting of the Youth Council would shortly take place, allowing members to elect office holders and review future priorities.

Members welcomed progress on the forthcoming “A Slice of Politics” event planned for 29 October and recognised it as a valuable opportunity for young people to engage with councillors and local decision makers. In considering the catering options presented, Members noted that the preferred option represented the best value for money.

The Committee also considered a request from the Youth Council to amend the upper age limit for membership. Members recognised the importance of retaining young people whilst they completed post-16 education and discussed a number of options, including the creation of a mentoring role for former members. During discussion, concerns were raised regarding safeguarding responsibilities, accountability and the potential requirement for safeguarding training should a formal mentoring arrangement be introduced. Following consideration of the options presented, Members unanimously agreed that Youth Council members should be permitted to retain their position until the end of the academic year in which they reach the age of 18, allowing continued membership whilst undertaking full-time education and therefore providing a practical upper age limit of 19.

Recommended:

1. That, the report be noted and;
2. That, Business 1 be approved as the supplier for refreshments for the “A Slice of Politics” event at a cost of £75 and;
3. That, Youth Council members be permitted to retain their position until the end of the academic year in which they reach the age of 18, allowing continued membership whilst in full-time education and therefore providing a practical upper age limit of 19 and;
4. That, no formal mentoring category be introduced and;
5. That, the minutes of the Youth Council meeting held on 3 September 2026 be noted.