The report presents an updated Children and Young People’s Plan (following consultation) for adoption by the Board. The primary aim of the Plan is to set out the services the Council will provide for children, young people, and families, to achieve the Council’s vision for these people within the City.

The Board is asked to approve the ‘Oxford City Council, Children and Young People’s Plan 2014-17’, subject to any specified amendments.

The Head of Policy, Culture and Communications submitted a report (previously circulated, now appended) concerning the Children and Young People’s Plan for 2014-17. Councillor Curran, Board member for Youth and Communities presented the report to the Board and provided background information to it.

Councillor Curran explained that it was important to ensure that the voice of young people was heard in the City. Oxfordshire County Council had cut its expenditure on services for the young, but Oxford City Council wanted to make this a world-class city for young people. However he was aware that the City Council needed to work with partners to broaden the scope of activities for young people. Councillor Curran was especially pleased to report that a number of activities aimed at young women were going very well. He praised City Council staff for stepping in, often at the last moment, when County Council staff were unable to attend events for the young. Councillor Curran asked that the Board approve his signing off a forward to the report written by some young people, as he felt that their input into the report was very important.

Councillor Jean Fooks addressed the Board. She was in favour of the five priorities outlined in the report but asked that Cutteslowe be included more often when any activities were planned.

Resolved to:-

(1)  Approve the Oxford City Council Children and Young People’s Plan 2014-17;

(2)  Thank Val Johnson and City Council staff for their hard work with this report, and for the young generally;

(3)  Agree that Councillor Curran can sign off an introduction to the Children and Young People’s Plan that is written by young people.