Issue - meetings

To consider the report updating on the proposed scrutiny review of worklessness.

The Chair  returned to the meeting and resumed chairmanship.

The Committee discussed the timing of a proposed review into support to workless young people aged 16-24.  It was recommended that the Committee await the implementation of the Youth Strategy and Worklessness strategy (being considered by Cabinet in March) before undertaking a review. It was accepted by Committee members that Scrutiny had the role of scrutinising policies that were already in operation and they could better add value by examining the outcomes arising from the policies to tackle worklessness in a year’s time. There was also an equal feeling that worklessness was a current high profile issue in ward areas and some Committee members did not feel comfortable deferring a review on this. Some community practices for getting local young people into jobs were shared and there was a feeling that, individually, members had a responsibility, at this time, to make a contribution to supporting young people into work. 

 The Chair felt it was unfortunate the report on worklessness had not been available for the February Cabinet meeting as considering the report may have allied some concerns of OSC members.  The Cabinet Member for Economic Investment, Social inclusion, and Planning advised the Committee that the previous scrutiny review into the Haringey Work Guarantee had been a source of reference for the Cabinet report on tackling worklessness. The Chair did not want to take forward a pre call in of the decision as this would be a call on officer resources. He suggested O&S members considering the report in a private session. The Cabinet member would need to take officer advice on making the report available to O&S members before the Cabinet meeting.

RESOLVED

That the report be noted and  the Chair and Vice Chair be given discretion to seek a way forward for involving members of the Committee and other interested members in the consultation process for the Cabinet report on Worklessness due for consideration at the Cabinet meeting on the 20^th March 2012.  (Action 96.1) Chair