URL: https://cmttpublic.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1995

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose:

Content: Cabinet considered the report of the Executive Director of Children and Families concerning  the annual refresh of the Youth Justice Plan for the sub-regional Youth Justice Service.   Cabinet noted that the Youth Justice Plan fulfils a statutory duty to submit an annual Youth Justice Plan relating to the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 and set out the youth justice partnership responsibilities, the priorities for youth justice services in the area, how this would be provided and funded and how performance would be rated against a range of national measures. This plan looked at ways that, when working with partners, the Council could prevent offending and reduce re-offending whilst ensuring that custody was only used as a last resort for young people. The plan was ‘child-first’ and trauma-informed and sought to ensure young people make better choices in life. The plan sought to strengthen prevention work, address health and wellbeing improvements for young people, strengthen skills and training for young people and shape services accessed by young people via a stronger youth voice.   Visiting Members: Councillor Lynn Gibbon spoke in relation to the item.   Councillor Adam Langan, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, led the discussion on the item as proposer and the item was seconded by Councillor Lisa Denson, Cabinet Member for A Fairer Future.   Cabinet welcomed the plan and acknowledged that in order to make the plan effective, strong partnership was essential. All partners were thanked for their hard work.   Cabinet acknowledged that the format of the report was dictated by Ministry of Justice so could not be changed but an additional section for KPI’s, which would better understand progress, could be added to future plans. Cabinet also acknowledged that data regarding violence perpetrated by girls and women did not feature in the current plan but, whilst it can occur, it had been confirmed that there had been no convictions in the first quarter of the year. Additional information could be included in the future.     DECIDED:    That   1)    the update on performance and progress made against priority areas during the financial year April 2024 to March 2025 set out in the refreshed and updated Youth Justice Strategic Plan for Cheshire (attached at Appendix 1) be noted; and 2)    the Executive Director of Children and Families be delegated authority to approve and submit an annual refresh of the Youth Justice Plan to the national Youth Justice Board in 2026 prior to approval by Council.       RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL:   That Council approves the content of the 2025-2026 refreshed and updated Youth Justice Strategic Plan for Cheshire and agrees to it being published.   Reason for Decision   As set out in detail in section 3 of the report (paragraphs 3.1 to 3.3).   Alternative Options   No other option is recommended as approval of the refreshed Youth Justice Plan leading to publication of it is a statutory requirement.

Date of Decision: September 10, 2025