Agenda item

To receive and consider the report of the Deputy Town Clerk.

During the public participation item earlier in the meeting the committee had verbal update from James Edney, Youth Development Officer at WODC regarding his work which built on the findings of the Youth Needs Assessment carried out in 2022.

James had outlined the key issues identified in the assessment, particularly the gaps in youth provision and the challenges faced by organisations delivering services for young people.

James explained how his work involves supporting and connecting local groups through the West Oxfordshire Youth Partnership. He advised that much of his focus was on helping organisations strengthen their capacity, improve collaboration, and work towards more stable and secure long?term provision for young people.

Members noted with concern that James’ role was funded on a one?year fixed?term contract, which created uncertainty around the ability to deliver sustainable, long?term projects. This concern was amplified by the potential implications of any future move toward unitary authority control.

The Committee also discussed current youth club provision in Witney. It was acknowledged that some provision existed at St Mary’s Church, Welcome Church, and through the detached youth outreach delivered by The Station; however, Members agreed that additional provision may be needed to address gaps highlighted in the Youth Needs Assessment.

James had also updated the Committee on a developing campaign addressing violence against women and girls (VAWG). He outlined proposals to work with a theatre company to deliver awareness?raising sessions focused on issues such as unwanted attention. Members were pleased to hear that the initiative had received support from Oxfordshire County Council, West Oxfordshire District Council and Thames Valley Police, with £25,000 of a targeted £50,000 in funding secured to date.

In addition to the verbal update provided by James, the Committee received and considered the report of the Deputy Town Clerk concerning the forthcoming launch of the Youth Services Grant.

Members reviewed the proposed timescale for the application and assessment process and agreed unanimously that the evaluation of applications should follow the same approach as the previous year, with delegated authority to a group consisting of the Leader, Deputy Leader, the Chair of this Committee, and the Deputy Town Clerk.

Recommended:

1.      That, the report be noted and,

2.      That, the evaluation of Youth Services grants proceeds under the delegation listed above.