Barnet Council to consult on draft youth strategy
The ten-year plan aims to foster inclusion and belonging for young people across the borough.
Barnet Council has agreed to proceed with a public consultation for its draft youth strategy. The proposed ten-year plan aims to make Barnet a place where young people feel a sense of belonging, with a particular focus on inclusion for those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Context and Rationale
The decision follows updated government guidance issued in September 2023, which requires local authorities to publish youth strategies. A report prepared for the council highlighted that 85% of a young person's waking hours are spent outside of formal education, underscoring the need for positive local activities. The strategy seeks to provide young people with social and employment opportunities, especially in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Barnet Council records 11 complaints on cosmetic procedures
The borough ranks third in London for non-surgical cosmetic treatment complaints between January 2021 and May 2026.
Council officers stated the strategy's goal is for Barnet to be a place where young people have supportive adults, safe spaces, opportunities to build skills, and enjoyment. It also aims to drive action through evidence and the voices of young people.
Concerns Raised
During discussions, concerns were raised regarding the draft strategy's omission of specific references to work experience. Peter Zinkin, leader of the Conservative opposition, described this as a significant oversight, arguing that as a major employer, the council has a responsibility to assist young people in finding careers and employment. John Anthony, director of children's services, acknowledged this point, agreeing that the consultation should strongly emphasise employment, education, training, and work experience opportunities. Barry Rawlings, leader of the council, indicated he was working to convene public sector employers to increase work experience availability.
Barnet Council Faces Social Care and Housing Pressures
Growth in mental health referrals and housing demand strain local authority resources.
The council intends to ensure the consultation reaches a wide range of voices beyond those already engaging with council services. The final strategy will aim to coordinate local youth provision to meet community needs, working collaboratively with various partners.
Questions this report answers
+What is the main aim of Barnet Council's draft youth strategy?
The draft youth strategy aims to foster a sense of belonging and inclusion for young people across Barnet over the next ten years. It particularly focuses on supporting those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) by providing social, employment, and skill-building opportunities.
+Why does the draft youth strategy need public consultation?
The public consultation is required under updated government guidance issued in September 2023, which mandates local authorities to publish youth strategies. It also ensures the strategy reflects the needs and voices of young people, especially those not currently engaged with council services.
+What concern was raised about the draft youth strategy?
The draft strategy was criticised for omitting specific references to work experience, which opposition councillors and council officers argued was a significant oversight. They highlighted the council's role as a major employer in helping young people find careers and gain employment experience.
Barnet Press News Desk
This article was written at the Barnet Press news desk from the reporting of the outlets listed below it. Drafting is done by a language model under human editorial supervision — there is no reporter behind this byline, and we would rather say so than invent one.
How stories are produced and scoredWho runs Barnet PressCorrections
Barnet conditions
Loading live conditions…
More Coverage in Council & Politics
Barnet Council records 11 complaints on cosmetic procedures
Barnet Council Faces Social Care and Housing Pressures
