Issue - meetings

Warwickshire Futures - looking ahead to 2030/40

Meeting: 27/02/2024 - Children & Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Item 7)

7 Warwickshire Futures - looking ahead to 2030/40 pdf icon PDF 105 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Max Taylor, National Management Trainee presented the report to the Committee and confirmed that Lou Richardson, Lead Commissioner - Corporate Policy & Strategy and Sue Robinson, Business Intelligence Service Manager (Strategic Research) were also present to support and answer any questions.

 

It was confirmed that the purpose of the report was to understand and systemically assess future trends and impacts on Warwickshire County Council.  The approach taken was to look at the best practice and research across all local government.  It was also confirmed that the report is not intended to be a complete list of all issues that the council may face.  It will be continually monitored and assessed.

 

The report commented that from 2030 onwards the issues and themes likely to be facing Warwickshire may include societal change, community & health and environment, climate & infrastructure.  The specific considerations for the Children and Young People’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee were identified as –

 

a)    Changing living situations

b)    Emerging health issues

c)    Increasing diversity

d)    Mental health challenges

e)    Future skills

 

The report highlighted that Warwickshire County Council would need to consider moving forward, including the following –

 

·         Tailoring of services to changing needs

·         Increased uncertainty – greater local choices

·         Shifting public expectation and perception

·         New ways of working, including through technology such as Artificial Intelligence (AI)

 

Councillor Penny-Anne O’Donnell thanked the officers for the report which she found fascinating.  In addition, and in relation to the emerging health issues, she thanked the officers for the information in relation to the issue of vaping.  Councillor O’Donnell also commented that the issue of loneliness in children, especially those who may already be vulnerable, may be as a knock-on result of the pandemic.  She thanked officers for identifying all the concerns and the needs to ensure the appropriate skills are in place for the future.

 

Councillor Tim Sinclair added his thanks for the great report and requested that the information relevant to the Committee be circulated as a separate document.  It was agreed that Max Taylor would compile the relevant information and circulate it to all members of the Committee after the meeting.

 

Councillor Jerry Roodhouse echoed the previous comments about the excellent report and that the requested information would be very much appreciated.

 

Councillor Roodhouse asked if any work had been done to include the point of view of children and young people; and asking for their views.  Adding that walking in their shoes could help the council plan.  John Coleman, Director of Children and Families thanked Councillor Roodhouse and agreed that it could be beneficial.  It was agreed that with the Youth Council Elections coming up, it would be an ideal time to ask for their points of view.  Councillor Penny-Anne O’Donnell agreed with Councillor Roodhouse, adding that the council must make sure to reach young people who may feel that their voice isn’t being heard; such as those who are not attending school.  Rachel Jackson, Head of Education and Strategy Transformation confirmed that work on the education strategy that will  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7