Purpose

This report sets out a proposal to establish a Youth Skills and Employment Hub for the New Forest, aimed at supporting young people aged 18–24 who are not in education, employment or training.

The Hub would offer full time, wrap around support to up to 200 young people a year, working with key partners.

Decision

On 11 June 2026, Cllr Derek Tipp, the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Economy made the following decision:

1. That the council supports the establishment of a Youth Skills & Employment Hub in Hythe, in partnership with DWP and dependant on DWP approval and funding.

2. That the council acts as Lead Accountable Body for the 12 month pilot project; and

3. The council accepts the Solent Freeport contribution of £30,000 towards the provision of the facility.

Any member of the Council, who is not a Portfolio Holder, who considers that this decision should be reviewed should give notice using the call-in facility at the top of this page on the Council’s intranet / extranet site.

Alternatively, notice can be given to the Monitoring Officer (Matt Wisdom) (in writing or by e-mail) to be received ON OR BY 5.15 pm on 18 June 2026.

Details of the document the Portfolio Holder considered are attached below.

Reasons for the decision

Rising NEET levels and youth unemployment require targeted intervention aligned with the Council’s Skills Action Plan.

Acting as Accountable Body enables the council to oversee delivery, ensure compliance, and strengthen local partnership leadership.

The project supports Corporate Plan objectives relating to economic opportunity, skills, and community wellbeing.

Alternative options considered

See Report