Lewisham's Children and Young People Select Committee is set to dedicate a significant portion of its upcoming meeting on November 11, 2026, to scrutinising the borough's youth services. The committee confirmed its work programme, which will see youth services, including budget proposals, the Youth Strategy, and support for young carers, as the primary focus.

This dedicated session stems from the committee's review of its work programme during a meeting held on Tuesday, September 15, 2026. The decision to spotlight youth services reflects its importance within the council's ongoing commitment to supporting young people in Lewisham, particularly in light of the developing Youth Strategy, which encompasses equality, inclusion, and the provision of support services.

During the November 11 meeting, the committee will undertake pre-decision scrutiny of the Council's draft budget proposals for youth services. This process is designed to review, challenge and inform decision-making before final recommendations are made by the Executive. The agenda also includes a detailed examination of the Youth Strategy, with a specific focus on inclusion – promoting equality and inclusion for underrepresented groups, including LGBTQ+ communities following recent developments on the definitions of sex and gender.

Furthermore, the committee will receive an update on the Young Carers' Report, which will specifically address how children and young people have been involved in the development and implementation of support mechanisms. This update is crucial for understanding the current support in place for young carers and any potential improvements being considered.

The anticipated outcomes from this comprehensive review are expected to inform the Executive's final recommendations, ensuring that decisions regarding youth services are well-informed and responsive to the needs of Lewisham's young population. The committee's deliberations on these key areas aim to enhance the effectiveness and inclusivity of services provided to young people across the borough.

More information on the committee's work programme and the discussions held on September 15, 2026, can be found in the Public reports pack.