1. Positive about young people, positive about youth work Councillor Les Lawrence Chair of the Children and Young People Board LGA

2. Today’s Presentation What is the general direction of travel for local authorities? What is happening in the world of youth services/activities and participation? What are the main challenges at the local level? What next?

3. The wider context Where are we heading? Implementing the Local Government and Public Involvement Act 2007. Entering the next 3 year spending period. New thinking around young people generally and trying to ensure balance.

4. Youth Policy Context What is the youth agenda for Councils? Aiming High Children’s Plan Education and Skills Bill Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill Youth Crime Action Plan – due out this year!

5. Challenges What challenges does all of this present? Big agenda….for us all!Transition into new LAA arrangements - LSPs, National Indicators, CAAs, etc. Children’s Trusts and the Children and Young People Plans. Tight financial settlement for the next 3 years. New focus on youth. The day job!

6. The Ten Year Strategy What does the LGA think? Going in the right direction and welcome change in tone. Right emphasis on enhancing the access of the disadvantaged and vulnerable. Pleased with the affirmation of our position as the strategic lead locally. Budget pooling is a welcome move. Empowering young people and engaging them through local civic life is a positive step.

7. The Ten Year Strategy What are the LGA’s concerns? Not yet convinced that a significant step change is deliverable with the resources allocated through the Strategy. Is 25% youth-led services by 2018 ambitious enough? Is there consistency in the Strategy about the role of councils as place-shapers? How will the Dormant Bank and Building Society Account Bill fit in?

8. Where are we now? Reflecting on all of this…… A time of change generally, and much greater emphasis on local determination, but also time for councils to show they can deliver! Greater emphasis on youth issues, but a lot of activity in other areas related to children, young people and families. Big delivery challenge for us all under the 10 Year Strategy, but…..within a tight financial framework.

9. Next steps Where next for the LGA? More lobbying! Thinking about delivery/implementation. Continue to strengthen relationships. Making a real difference for children, young people and their families.