Agenda item

Members noted that in the Whitchurch & Tongwynlais ward an unofficial monthly road closure was taking place; it was hoped that this could become an official arrangement. Members suggested that sport and music are other avenues which could be used to encourage children, particularly bearing in mind the large number of sporting groups.  Members were advised that a music strategy for the city is being considered. 

Members were advised of the difficulties in obtaining the relevant authority to close streets for play; requests to extend the pilot periods have been refused, particularly due to the legislative process which needs to be undertaken.  It is the same process to close a road for 2 hours or to close roads for a week for Dr Who to be filmed.  The costs are not proportionate. 

Members noted that children have stated that Cardiff feels like a safe city.  Alcohol abuse and antisocial behaviour were not highlighted as being one of the more serious concerns that children and young people had.  Unicef take the view that it is not possible to solve all of the city’s problems; however young people must be listened to. 

Members sought clarification as to why the words diet and obesity did not appear; the strategy uses the words well-being and mental health.  The Director advised that the Council works closely with the Health Board to help shape policies.  They were keen that obesity was not used as a key priority.  Well-being covers food, healthy eating and diet, they are of course aspirations but have not been spelt out in the actions; Members have access to the early draft action plan.  Members noted that the Director is the Chair of the strategy group; there is also a wider operational group; and a Young Peoples Advisory Board.

Members noted that whilst schools are clearly leading in relation to healthy school food, there should be a city wide commitment to minimising the exposure of junk food.

Members asked whether the annual report should be presented to Council and not just to the Public Service Board.  The Cabinet Member advised that there is an issue in terms of format and that it is a partnership initiative rather than Council, however, in principle it would be a good idea to share it. Members asked that it be shared with this Committee if it is no possible for it to be shared with Council.

Members noted that the second goal is for every child and young person to have a their voice, needs and priorities heard and taken into account, but queried how that sits with the governance arrangements.  Members were advised that consideration has to be given to changing the governance and, although the advisory board are helping, more children and young people need to hold the Council to account.  Consideration has to be given to how the private section can be engaged. 

There also needs to be focus on vulnerable young people and what young people in care say, for example they do not have Dad or Mum’s taxi, that can be a hindrance to moving around Cardiff therefore negotiation is taking place with Cardiff Bus. 

Members noted that the event on 20 November is a celebration on Children’s rights and not a consultation exercise, although they believed that it was important that children and young people needed to know the point of it.

Members discussed the necessity of engaging the private sector noting that it was necessary to actively advocate the programme beyond the Public Service Board. 

Members queried the tie in with front line staff, or charities who currently have programmes working day to day listening to the needs of children, and were advised that consideration is being given to providing a platform and forum for sharing ideas.  It forms part of the delivery plan. 

Members discussed, bearing in mind the number of UK Councils on this journey, that the sharing of best practise would be helpful.  It was noted that the co-ordinators are brought together by Unicef on a regular basis; Cardiff is the first city to put together a piece of work.  Information can also be shared through a portal, it being a repository for information. 

Members queried the funding of the strategy and were advised that the figure was £80k total including all costs staff, running costs etc  which includes £25k to Unicef.

Members discussed the need to ensure that the Committee and other Members attend all the training that Unicef have to offer.  It is importance that there is a real understanding of what Children’s rights mean. 

The Committee wished to thank Lee Patterson for his hard work and requested regular updates on the implementation of the strategy.