Agenda item

Officer: David Butler

Key decision: no

The Leader of the Council delegated to the Cabinet the power to make the decisions set out below.

RESOLVED to:

1.    Note the successful delivery of the pledge to raise the profile and voice of children and young people through the election of a Young Mayor.

2.    Commend the high level of engagement of children and young people in the democratic process

3.    Commend the work of the Young Mayor and Deputy Young Mayor to date and note future engagements

4.    Support the manifesto pledges of the Young Mayor and Deputy Young Mayor through committing to direct engagement (including Cabinet meetings), consultation and championing their aims and objectives as representatives of Croydon's young people

The Young Mayor, William Awomayi, and the Deputy Young Mayor, Shea Williams, gave a presentation to the Cabinet on their first four months of tenure and what they planned to do.

The Young Mayor stated the reason he stood for office was due to the overflowing potential in Croydon which needed to be nurtured, while the Deputy Young Mayor stated she had stood in the election with the aim to make a difference in young people’s lives in Croydon.

Their commitment was to be a voice and to represent young people. Furthermore the Young Mayor and Deputy Young Mayor sought to work with young people to help them realise their ideas.

Members were informed that the Young Mayor and Deputy Young Mayor had attended weekly forums and had attended meetings with the Borough Commander to discuss initiatives to stop knife crime and improve police connections with young people. A panel for young people to collaborate with the police would take place.

The Deputy Young Mayor informed the Cabinet that the Young Mayor’s Fund had been launched, and the initiative would be similar to ‘Dragon’s Den’, giving young people the opportunity to pitch their ideas.

The Young Mayor and Deputy Young Mayor spoke of their priorities and mandate which was to create enriching activities to incentivise young people to leave crime. It was felt that there was a disconnect between young people and organisations and they sought to bridge that gap and break the stereotypes.

Upcoming areas of work included organising entrepreneur masterclasses with successful people from Croydon which would seek to motivate and inspire young people. Furthermore a Young People Scrutiny Committee would be organised which would enable young people to have a voice, in addition to a debate show.

The Leader thanked the Young Mayor and Deputy Young Mayor and stated their work and passion was shattering any stereotypes. The Cabinet Member for Children, Young People & Learning further stated that the Young Mayor and Deputy Young Mayor spoke eloquently and passionately about furthering the cause of young people in the borough.

The Cabinet Member noted the commitment to raise the voice and aspirations of young people and that it was intended the role of the Young Mayor would continue. Members noted the number of votes cast in the election which equated to a turnout of over 50% which showed that young people were engaged right across the borough and believed in the mandate they were elected to.

Members were asked to work with the Young Mayor and Deputy Young Mayor to help them deliver their commitments and were further requested to invite them to any meetings and give them an opportunity to speak on their work.

The Cabinet Member informed Members that the Young Mayor and Deputy Young Mayor had an open invitation to attend Cabinet and Council meetings and would also have civic chains. It was further noted, by the Leader, that it was intended that the council’s Constitution would be updated to enshrine their role.

Cabinet Members congratulated the Young Mayor and Deputy Young Mayor and committed to working with them to improve youth employment opportunities, and reduce knife crime.

The Opposition Group noted the passion and enthusiasm of the Young Mayor and Deputy Young Mayor and invited them to address the Conservative Group on their priorities.

The Leader of the Council delegated to the Cabinet the power to make the decisions set out below.

RESOLVED to:

1.    Note the successful delivery of the pledge to raise the profile and voice of children and young people through the election of a Young Mayor.

2.    Commend the high level of engagement of children and young people in the democratic process

3.    Commend the work of the Young Mayor and Deputy Young Mayor to date and note future engagements

4.    Support the manifesto pledges of the Young Mayor and Deputy Young Mayor through committing to direct engagement (including Cabinet meetings), consultation and championing their aims and objectives as representatives of Croydon's young people