Decision details

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Learning seeking approval for the integration of all operational activity currently delivered and managed by Wessex Youth Offending Team into Southampton Council and the Annual Youth Justice Plan.

Until April 2011, Wessex YOT served the four Local Authorities of Hampshire, Southampton, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight.  The Isle of Wight has withdrawn from the arrangement in April 2011, and there is the intention to disaggregate the remaining partnership from April 2012.

The report will provide further details and seek approval for disaggregation and will be considered by Council in November.

(i)  To recommend the Wessex Youth Justice Plan 2011/12 to Council for approval as part of the Policy Framework.

(ii)  To delegate authority to the Executive Director of Children’s Services and Learning to do anything necessary to support, plan and implement the discontinuance of the Wessex YOT partnership and the integration of YOT operations into the City Council from 2012/13 within approved budgets.

1. Wessex YOT is the largest in England, originally serving four Local Authority areas.  The Isle of Wight decided to leave the arrangement in April 2011 and to integrate provision within its broader council services.  Southampton, Portsmouth and Hampshire Councils have now mutually agreed that youth offending services would be best delivered as part of their own Children’s Service arrangements and that Wessex YOT should be fully disaggregated. 
2. It is a requirement for every local authority to approve an annual youth justice plan, with the strategic aim of reducing offending and re-offending, ensuring the effective use of custody and increasing victim and public confidence.  The Wessex YOT Annual Youth Justice Plan will be its last because of disaggregation.  Future annual plans will focus on Southampton.
3. The 2011/12 Wessex YOT Annual Youth Justice Plan and the disaggregation of Wessex YOT from 2012/13, has been agreed by the current Wessex YOT Board, which includes Southampton officer representation.  The Wessex YOT Plan has been placed in the Members rooms.

1. To continue the existing partnership of three Local Authorities.  This approach is considered to accrue less overall financial and operational benefit than integrating the service into Children’s Services and Learning.
2. The 2011/12 plan is a statutory policy framework plan and therefore it is not an option to not report it to Cabinet and Council.