Councillors have raised concerns about the effectiveness and measurement of key performance indicators (KPIs) within Brent's Youth Strategy, despite a significant investment of £4 million in youth infrastructure.
During a Community and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee meeting on Wednesday, 16 September 2026, members questioned the clarity of data presented on the strategy's impact, particularly in relation to crime reduction and young people's feelings of safety. Councillor Sapna Chadha highlighted the need for clearer KPIs and a more detailed breakdown of funding allocations and their impact at ward level. The £4 million investment in youth infrastructure has been allocated to projects including the OK Club, the Cricklewood Boxing Club, the Jason Roberts Foundation, and the Church Road Youth Anchor in the Councillor's own ward. A cabinet report on the allocation decisions and how they were made exists, and an update on the impact of this capital investment is committed to be brought back.
Councillor Jake Rubin, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, Employment and Climate Action, presented an update on the Brent Youth Strategy 2025-2028, outlining achievements in youth participation, infrastructure investment, and enhanced wellbeing support. Specific achievements in youth participation include strengthening youth engagement through the Brent Youth Parliament and other forums, leading to young people influencing decisions on various issues. For enhanced wellbeing support, achievements include increased access to mental health support services with positive outcomes reported. The Brent Centre for Young People supported 858 young people within the year, with over 80% stabilization reported across anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and relationships with family. The Wellbeing and Emotional Support Team (WEST) reported 96% improved outcomes. He acknowledged that while progress has been made, there is a need for stronger outcome data.
Nigel Chapman, Corporate Director for Children, Young People and Community Development, agreed that some outcome data could be stronger and that developing better measures would be a key action for the coming year. He noted that while first-time entrants to the youth justice system and custody rates have fallen, the perception of safety among young people remains a concern.
Concerns were also raised about the mapping of current youth provision across Brent, with Councillor Chadha requesting a comprehensive overview of youth workers, community organisations, and activities available in different areas. While a 'Brent Youth Zone' website exists, it was acknowledged that capturing all activity from every organisation, particularly smaller voluntary providers, is challenging. The 'Brent Youth Zone' website is intended to provide details of provision across the borough. However, it was noted that there is a significant amount of activity that is not always captured. Planned development to address this includes efforts to gain a better understanding of what is happening with the help of the Youth Brent Foundation (YBF) and the council, while acknowledging that capturing absolutely everything may not be possible given available resources.
For more details on the meeting, refer to the Public reports pack and the Agenda frontsheet.