URL: https://cmttpublic.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2025

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 which sought approval of the Cheshire West and Chester Youth Strategy for 2026-2030.   Members were informed that the Strategy set out the borough’s vision and priorities for supporting and developing services for young people, in line with the Councils statutory duties and local needs.  Members noted that the Strategy had been shaped and co-produced by young people, families and professionals in addition to being developed collaboratively with partners including Health, Police, Education and voluntary sector organisations.   Members further noted that the Strategy was a high level, overarching document based on evidence and informed by the 2025 Youth Needs Assessment, with young people at the centre. Over 500 individuals had contributed through surveys, focus groups and consultations led by Youth Focus North West. Some of the issues raised by young people included mental health challenges; lack of safe, accessible and inspiring spaces; the need to become more career ready; transport barriers particularly in rural areas; and the need for more SEND and LGBTQ+ provision across the borough. It was recognised that a partnership approach with e.g. schools, voluntary organisations, uniformed youth groups and the NHS would be required to deliver on these priorities. A detailed action plan was currently being developed in relation to delivery of priorities and all this work would be managed and co-ordinated through a Youth Partnership Board.   Councillor Adam Langan, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, led the discussion on the item and the item was seconded by Councillor Nathan Pardoe, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Regeneration and Digital Transformation.   Visiting Members:  Councillor Charles Hardy spoke on behalf of Councillor Adrian Waddelove in relation to the item.   Cabinet Members welcomed the report and the Strategy and thanked everyone for their contributions and hard work. They acknowledged that the world had changed significantly for young people over the years and that navigating it was extremely challenging, in particular in relation to social media and digital platforms.  Members also acknowledged that the Strategy recognised barriers to young peoples’ experiences and sought to address these, such as lack of public transport in rural areas.  It was felt Devolution, through the new Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority, was best placed to provide more flexibility and opportunity to address rural transport issues.   Members welcomed the collaborative and creative solutions that this Strategy would potentially deliver such as new youth spaces, improved transport links and increased mental health provision, recognising that this would all require funding investment.   Members looked forward to clear and defined outcomes as part of the developing action plan in order to monitor progress and measure success.  It was also suggested that young people be asked to create an accessible, visual interpretation of the Strategy which could be shared widely across various media platforms in order to further promote the Strategy.   DECIDED:    That   the Cheshire West and Chester Youth Strategy 2026– 2030 (attached at Appendix 1 to the report) be approved.   Reason for Decision   The current Youth Strategy ran from 2020-2024. The strategy is evidence based having been informed by the 2025 Youth Needs Assessment and shaped by engagement with young people and partner organisations including Health, Police, Education and community and voluntary sector. It sets out a clear vision and priorities to improve outcomes for young people and the sector.   Alternative Options   1)            While there are alternative approaches to supporting young people and developing the sector such as relying solely on existing community sector intervention and uniformed services, this strategy recognises that these options would not fully meet the Council’s ambitions for prevention, equity, and long[1]term aspirations for young people. 2)            This strategy, with a partnership centred framework, and commitment to growth and sustainability, is designed to deliver the strategic vison ensuring aspirations, opportunity, and lasting change for all young residents. 3)            An option is to not approve this strategy but for the reasons set out above this option is not recommended.

Date of Decision: January 14, 2026