Agenda item

Cabinet Member Paul Griffiths introduced the report. Louise Wilce delivered a presentation and answered the members’ questions with Hannah Jones and Councillor Griffiths: 

Key points from Members: 

·                  Regarding the use of the word ‘aspiration’, it was asked if the services are doing well. The officer responded that they are doing well overall, but the area needing improvement is identifying and supporting young people who have not been flagged as at risk of becoming NEET. 

·                  A member asked if there is an opportunity to look at the risk markers before age 7, and if any mental health or trauma support is available. The officer acknowledged the importance of early intervention and mentioned that previously, under ESF funding, there was a year 6-7 transition program. However, due to reduced funding under the UK SPF, the focus shifted to support just ahead of the post-16 transition. She emphasized the reliance on partnerships and stakeholders to provide mental health and well-being support. 

·                  Clarity was sought about the initial source of funding that has been lost. It was clarified that the initial funding came from European Structural Funds (ESF), which supported the programme until 2022. 

·                  Officers were asked to elaborate on the link between being NEET and homelessness. The officer explained that the Welsh Government merged the identification tools for NEET and youth homelessness due to overlapping risk markers such as attendance, exclusions, and looked-after status. This merger helps to ensure collaboration and avoid duplication in support services. 

·                  It was asked if there are NEETs in the county that we don't know about, possibly due to information gaps from schools or because they moved into the county after age 16. The officer noted that the annual destination data tracks young people educated in Monmouthshire, while tier data tracks residents. There can be differences, and efforts are made to identify and track all young people, including those who move into the county. 

·                  For those pupils aged 16 and 18 who decide to go into work directly, it was asked what we know about the job market for them. The officer responded that young people going directly into employment often find low-skilled and low-paid roles in sectors like construction and retail. There is a need to develop more apprenticeship opportunities and upskilling programs to improve their career prospects. 

·                  A member asked what the main factors are to flag up in those who are in danger of becoming NEET, to identify a young person at risk. The officer mentioned that the early identification tool uses indicators such as poor attendance, exclusions, looked-after status, free school meals, school moves, and academic levels. These indicators help to benchmark the risk, but ongoing conversations with stakeholders are crucial to identify and support at-risk young people. 

·                  A member asked if measures are in place for the work to continue once the funding runs out in March ’25. The officer responded that the team is waiting for the outcomes of the Autumn budget statement on October 30^th, like all other authorities in the UK. The team is exploring other funding sources, including the Welsh government and other avenues, but the end of the Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) on March 31^stwill significantly affect the local authority. 

·                  A member asked how we track young people who drop out of their destination and come back. The officer explained that the system relies on stakeholders and partners to flag young people who drop out of their destination. Monthly "keeping in touch" meetings review the data and ensure that any young person who has become NEET is identified and supported. 

·                  Members asked what happens to young people who drop out of university or other destinations beyond the age of 19. It was explained that while the youth engagement progression framework tracks up to age 19, support is available for those beyond this age through Job Centre Plus and adult employment and skills provision. However, it requires the young person to reach out to access this support. 

·                  A member asked about the scenario in which someone goes to university in England and comes back. It was explained that if a young person has dropped from their destination and come back into the county they won’t be flagged unless they have made contact with the support agency. 

Chair’s Summary: 

The Chair thanked the officers for their work. He emphasised the importance of reports being written in a manner which is accessible and meaningful to residents, particularly the utility of a one-page summary from which residents can grasp the key points while still providing detailed data for those who wish to delve deeper. He also suggested shifting the focus on key issues and strategy towards external challenges and opportunities. The report was moved.