Contact: Lindsey Hawke-Davies, Democratic Services - ext. 7333

1. Summary

1.1. The following decision is sought:

That Hampshire County Council bid for a contract with the South Central Connexions Partnership to continue to develop the work of the Connexions Service.

2. Reasons

2.1. The Youth Panel at its meeting on 11 November 2003 advised the Executive Member for Education to bid for a revised contract to continue to develop the work of the Connexions Service which would be managed within the Hampshire County Youth Service.

2.2. The South Central Connexions Partnership are reviewing the contracts they need to deliver their targets and new specifications are being drafted to replace all existing contracts from 31 July 2004. The current Hampshire County Council contract is due to finish on 31 March 2004 but has been extended to 31 July.

3. Other Options considered and rejected: Not to participate in the Connexions project. However, continued participation ensures income to the County Council which can be invested in the services to the benefit of users. To reach this stage has required a considerable amount of work and commitment from all those involved in the contact's development.

4. Conflicts of interest declared by the decision maker or a member or officer consulted - None

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - Not applicable

6. Reasons for the matter being dealt with if urgent - Not applicable

7. Approved by the Executive Member for Education

Councillor D.G. Allen Date: 4 December 2003

Section 100 D - Local Government Act 1972 - background papers

The following documents disclose facts or matters on which this report, or an important part of it, is based and has been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of this report.

NB the list excludes:

1 Published works.

2 Documents which disclose exempt or confidential information as defined in the Act.

8BR331103