Author: Tracy Bailey

YOUTH COMBINED AUTHORITY MEETING MINUTES

Thursday 14th February 2019

YOUTH COMBINED AUTHORITY MINUTES: February 2019

Q&A with The Mayor…
Andy outlined his vision for the Opportunity Pass. It’s being developed because transport costs are high and can limit what young people can do. He said, “think big, nothing is in your way”, it should make young people feel anything is possible, that they can go anywhere in Greater Manchester and they should be excited by that prospect. He wants members to tell him what the pass should be called, look like, and where it should take them.
Members asked Andy questions...
Q. Why is the ‘opportunity pass’ limited to 16-18 year olds?
A. At this moment it is a matter of money and what is affordable. We still have to secure some money to pay for it.
Q. Could you increase Council Tax to pay for it?
A. Andy is asking the Combined Authority to approve a budget that includes a £7 per household increase in Council Tax, some of which will pay for the Opportunity Pass. Colleges are being asked to contribute the money they spend on student bus travel. Fewer people are using buses and in the long term, to make it sustainable, we need to get more people on buses.
Q. What happens if you turn 19 during the academic year?
A. Young people will get the pass on the 1st September after their 16th birthday and stay qualified until the 31st August after their 18th birthday.
Q. Have you secured any other partners?
A. Brands and leisure providers are interested, and we’re confident that there will be a good offer. The idea is you could go out of the City Centre to another are, for example Oldham or Tameside to explore the offer there. Andy explained ideas from young people would be welcome.
Q. How will you get the pass?
A. You will apply via a website.
Q. How will local arts strategies be linked into the pass?
A. The GMCA funds some arts organisations. It could potentially be written into funding contracts that they need to provide an offer as part of the pass. It could open up free rehearsal space, music lessons, and sports coaching.

YOUTH COMBINED AUTHORITY MINUTES: February 2019

What makes a good brand name?
Susie Stubbs from Modern Designers presented what need to be considered when thinking about a name for the pass. She summed it up by saying names had to be memorable, different, practical, future proof and work internationally – it mustn’t be rude in another language!
What should the opportunity pass be called?
Members took part in table top discussions to come up with a list of suggestions for a name.
What makes a good design
John Owens from Instruct Studio and Design Manchester talked about what makes a good design: strong colours, an icon that links to the name and a clear typography.
What should the card look like?
Members took part in table top discussions to come up with a list of suggestions for a look linked to the names they had discussed.
Feedback and consensus building
Members fed back the two most popular names from their table, as well as the design ideas. These long-listed names will be submitted to TfGM’s lawyers and the opportunity pass board to check whether they are already taken (trademarked) or are similar to an existing scheme or organisation. Those that pass this test will be sent out to member organisations to consultation with their members and members’ schools. Feedback from the engagement sessions will be collated by the GMCA, and reported back to the YCA.
The YCA will make the
final decision at the meeting on 14th March 2019.

Attended by:
42nd Street
BLAG
Bolton Youth Council
GMFRS
GMYN Gorse Hill Studios Mahdlo
Manchester Youth Council
Oldham Youth Council
Rochdale Youth Council
Salford Youth Council
Stockport Youth Council
Tameside Youth Council
The Proud Trust
Trafford Youth Cabinet
Wigan Youth Council Xplode Magazine

Internal and external
requests
There were no external requests and members were reminded how they can put forward requests.

Next meeting dates:
GMYCA meetings: Thursday 14th March
Thursday 11th April
Working Groups: Thursday 28th February Thursday 28th March