Tower Hamlets' Corporate Director for Children's Services, Steve Reddy, faced scrutiny over the borough's youth service provision during a meeting of the Children and Education Scrutiny Sub-Committee on Monday, March 16, 2026.

The committee reviewed a comprehensive report on the Youth Service, which included updates on its activities, performance, and strategic direction. The Young Tower Hamlets Strategy 2025-27 [1] and YTH Progress Update DLT Jan 2026 [2] documents were among those considered, alongside a Youth Participation Guide - Voice of Young People. [3] The meeting also featured a question-and-answer session with Mr. Reddy, aimed at providing members with direct information on the service.

Children participate in an activity involving a bicycle-powered blender, likely at a youth event.
Children participate in a youth event.

During the discussion, councillors raised questions about measurable performance indicators and the equitable distribution of services across wards. The committee was informed that while initial measurements focused on engagement and attendance, the service is developing more sophisticated metrics to track outcomes. These new metrics will include contact engagement, how many attend and what the outcome is. The national pilot work around young futures hubs also has a big evaluation framework around that, and as part of our operational meetings, there's a set of data that we look at which is beyond a number of number of attendances and outcomes.

The fluctuation in youth service provision across wards is influenced by the local population and the population of young people varies quite significantly from ward to ward. The ambition is to provide, or through a third-party commission or voluntary sector, some youth service in all parts of the borough, with the goal of having one youth centre in every ward which roughly will allow a young person to get to any youth centre within 10-15 minutes really.

Two young people smile for the camera, one making a peace sign.
Young people engaging with the youth service.

Concerns were also raised regarding staffing levels, with 67% recruitment completed, and the use of agency staff. The youth service has maintained some agency until we can complete fully that recruitment as well, and potentially with most services there's always going to require a bit of flexibility, so we might use some agency in the future. The plan is to complete fully that recruitment to reduce reliance on agency staff.

Mr. Reddy assured the committee that the financial commitment to the youth service has been significant, and an underspend in youth services has helped offset pressures on the wider children's services budget.

Three young girls joyfully run across a grassy field, with inflatable structures in the background, suggesting a community event or festival.
Children enjoying a community event.

In his closing remarks, Mr. Reddy thanked the committee for their scrutiny, acknowledging the valuable questions posed on a range of issues including mental health and safeguarding.

[1] Young Tower Hamlets Strategy 2025-27 (https://democracy.towerhamlets.gov.uk/documents/s268896/young-tower-hamlets-strategy-2025-27.pdf) [2] YTH Progress Update DLT Jan 2026 (https://democracy.towerhamlets.gov.uk/documents/s268897/YTH%20Progress%20Update%20DLT%20Jan%202026.pdf) [3] Youth Participation Guide - Voice of Young People (https://democracy.towerhamlets.gov.uk/documents/s268985/Youth%20Participation%20Guide%20-%20Voice%20of%20Young%20People.pdf)