Agenda item

Purpose: the report sets out proposals for the establishment of a Youth Council for West Berkshire in order to give young people a voice in local decision making.

Resolved that: Executive

·       Agree to establish a Youth Council.

·       Approves the draft terms of reference and code of conduct as set out in Appendices C and D, which will be presented to the Youth Council following its creation for review and adoption (subject to any amendments).

This decision is eligible to be ‘called-in’.  However, if the decision has not been ‘called-in’ by 5.00pm on 2 January 2026, then it will be implemented.

Councillor Heather Codling introduced and proposed a report (Agenda Item 9) which set out proposals for the establishment of a Youth Council for West Berkshire in order to give young people a voice in local decision making.

Councillor Codling highlighted that the Youth Council would require dedicated officer support, with two staff members attending each meeting and managing activities such as elections, team building, annual conferences. It was noted that with an estimated 21 meetings per year, this equate to one full-time officer, and consequently recruitment was planned. Councillor Codling suggested that the creation of the Youth Council would yield the long-term benefits for democratic engagement in the district.

Councillor Stuart Gourley expressed strong support for the proposal, noting the importance of engaging younger residents and bringing diverse perspectives to the Council.

Councillor David Marsh confirmed support for the proposal and raised several questions. He queried why the item was brought to the Executive rather than Full Council and requested a commitment that it would be brought to Full Council for wider member input. He also queried whether the Spend Panel was likely to agree to the appointment of a new officer and whether the Youth Council would continue if a new unitary authority was established.

Councillor Codling responded that approval for the appointment had been approved and that the Youth Council could continue under a new authority structure, subject to advice at the time. Councillor Jeff Brooks clarified that the item was an executive function and that there was a desire to proceed without delay but suggested a debate could be organised at Full Council once the Youth Council was established.

Councillor Adrian Abbs raised concerns regarding the financial implications for the full cost of running the Youth Council. Councillor Brooks responded that the estimated cost was approximately £30,000–£40,000 and emphasised the importance of the initiative despite financial pressures.

Councillor Clive Taylor recalled the existence of a previous Youth Council and queried why it had ceased, whether lessons had been learned, and whether young people would chair meetings. Councillor Codling clarified that the previous Youth Council ended due to short-term post-COVID funding, and that the new Youth Council would be run by young people with officer support and training.

Councillor Dominic Boeck queried why the report had not been brought to the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee, given its relevance. Councillor Brooks responded that the decision was made to bring to Executive for expediency.

Councillor Tom McCann asked about the support that would be provided to Youth Council members to help them understand the Council’s functions and statutory duties. Councillor Codling confirmed that training would be provided and that young people would be encouraged to bring forward ideas, and would learn about statutory and legal constraints as part of the process.

Councillor Brooks seconded the recommendations within the report, and emphasised the need to involve young people in politics and community life

RESOLVED that: Executive

·         Agree to establish a Youth Council.

·         Approves the draft terms of reference and code of conduct as set out in Appendices C and D, which will be presented to the Youth Council following its creation for review and adoption (subject to any amendments).