Barnet launches 10-year youth strategy consultation

Barnet Council has begun consulting residents on a new youth strategy, the first update to its approach in over a decade. The draft plan, approved by the cabinet on 21 July 2026, sets out a 10-year vision for supporting young people in the borough, as reported by the Barnet Post.

The strategy responds to statutory guidance issued by the government in September 2023. That guidance requires local authorities to publish a youth strategy and coordinate services that reflect community needs. Barnet’s report, prepared for the cabinet meeting, cited research showing young people spend 85% of their waking hours outside school or formal education.

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Pandemic recovery and employment gaps

Deputy council leader Ross Houston, speaking before the cabinet vote, described the strategy as “well overdue and welcomed”. Houston said the council must provide social and employment opportunities for young people, particularly in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, as reported by the Barnet Post.

The draft strategy aims to make Barnet “a place where young people belong”, according to the council’s report. It promises to champion inclusion for young people with special educational needs and disabilities and to base decisions on evidence and youth feedback. The plan does not specify how many young people in Barnet fall into this category.

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Work experience omission draws criticism

Peter Zinkin, leader of the Conservative opposition, criticised the draft for not mentioning work experience. Zinkin told the Barnet Post the council, as a major local employer, should help young people find careers. “It’s a mistake not to include it,” he said.

I think we do need to make sure the consultation has a strong emphasis on employment, education and training, and opportunities for work experience.

John Anthony, director of children’s services, Barnet Council

John Anthony, the council’s director of children’s services, acknowledged the gap. He said the consultation would prioritise employment, education and training opportunities. Anthony also stressed the need to reach groups who do not typically respond to council consultations, as reported by the Barnet Post.

Labour council leader Barry Rawlings said he had organised a meeting with public sector employers in Barnet to expand work experience placements. The council’s report did not specify which employers were involved or how many placements might result.

Consultation details and next steps

The consultation period has no fixed end date. The council’s report states it will seek input from a broad range of young people, including those who do not currently use council services. It is unclear how the council will measure the success of the strategy once implemented.

The final strategy is expected to be adopted later in 2026, subject to feedback. Barnet Council has not disclosed the budget allocated to the plan or how it will fund new initiatives over the next decade.