Issue - meetings

To consider any motions, due notice of which have been given in accordance with Standing Order 4.8.12.

There were two motions submitted in accordance with Standing Order 4.8.12.

(A)  Support the Introduction of a Youth Mobility Scheme

RESOLVED: That Council:

(1)   Publicly endorse the principle of establishing a Youth Mobility Scheme between the UK and the European Union.

(2)   Instruct the Council Leader to write to the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, and the Secretary of State for Education, urging them to open negotiations with the European Union to create such a scheme.

(B)  Digital Exclusion and fair representation for all in Council consultations

RESOLVED: That Council:

(1)   Reports brought to Council that propose public consultation must explicitly explain the appropriate mix of digital and non-digital access provision for both communicating the consultation and obtaining feedback, based on the results of the equalities assessment and using the Community Consultation Strategy.

(2)   The Executive Member for Community and Partnership is required to develop a digital skills and literacy plan to help residents participate in consultations and surveys, as part of the mid-term review of the Digital Strategy 2024-27, and report back to Cabinet and Overview and Scrutiny within a year with recommendations on possibilities and further actions.

Audio recording – 3 hours 57 minutes 24 seconds

There were two motions submitted in accordance with Standing Order 4.8.12.

(A)           Support the Introduction of a Youth Mobility Scheme

Councillor David Chalmers proposed the motion as follows;

This council notes that:

·       Opportunities for young people to travel, study, and work abroad foster cultural exchange, personal development, and economic growth.

·       The UK previously benefited from the EU's Erasmus+ programme, which supported youth mobility and exchange. Prior to Brexit, our young people were able to freely travel between member states, and wider European Economic Area (EEA) to live work and study without time limits.

·       Since the UK's departure from the EU, young people in North Hertfordshire and across the UK face increased barriers to living, working, and studying in European countries, limiting opportunities that were previously available. We now have a 90-day limit on the time we can spend in European countries without buying a visa.

·       Young people have been disproportionately impacted by the restrictions on mobility.

·       A Youth Mobility Scheme between the UK and the EU would offer structured opportunities for young people to gain international experience and develop skills valuable to their personal and professional futures. In North Hertfordshire, according to the 2021 Census, 26,000 young people aged between 18-35 (19% of the total population) would be eligible to benefit from the scheme. The ability to experience different cultures and gain a better perspective of the world is extremely valuable, especially for young people.

·       Local businesses – especially those in hospitality -would also benefit from the extra temporary personnel offered by young people across the EU taking advantage of the scheme.

Justification:

This motion seeks to enhance the prospects of young people across North Hertfordshire, providing them with access to opportunities that foster growth, learning, and intercultural understanding. According to the 2021 Census 26,000 young people aged between 18-35 would be eligible to take advantage of the scheme – 19% of the local population. A Youth Mobility Scheme which has been proposed by the European Union would strengthen ties between the UK and EU, aligning with the council’s commitment to creating a thriving and inclusive community. The UK currently has Youth Mobility Schemes with Australia and Japan allowing 18 – 35 year olds to move and work freely between countries for up to 2 years – the UK /EU Youth Mobility Scheme would follow this model.

Local businesses – especially those involved in hospitality – would benefit from the extra temporary personnel supplied by young people across the EU taking advantage of the scheme. Local educational institutions would also benefit from potential EU students. In April 2024 the EU Commission expressed a desire to open negotiations with the UK on a youth mobility scheme for young people aged 18-30, which was rejected by the previous Conservative Government and has yet to be accepted by the current Labour Government.

This council resolves to:

1.         Publicly endorse the principle of establishing a Youth Mobility Scheme between the UK and the European Union.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 87