Birmingham City Council must devolve decision-making powers over children and young people’s services to its neighbourhoods if it is to tackle deep-seated inequality, a report has warned.

The Birmingham Commission on Children has called on the council to ‘lead in a different way’ and allow its 10 districts to ‘become the engines of change’ with leadership shared across the city.

Set up in June by The Children’s Society and commissioned by Birmingham City Council, the Commission’s report said city council staff ‘will need to work differently – challenging their own preconceptions that the council can solve all problems and deliver all services to the city’s children and young people’.

It added that ‘the voice of children and young people will need to be heard through listening and engagement mechanisms beyond the ballot box’, giving them the chance to co-design and co-chair new initiatives and solutions.

Among a raft of recommendations is an ‘entitlement offer’ through which city leaders and businesses provide children and young people free access to cultural or sporting venues and the chance to try new activities or learn new skills to help get them into work.

The Commission, which was asked to scrutinise the council’s plans to develop new children’s services, said the council had a vital coordinating role to play but ‘cannot deliver this offer alone’.

'Birmingham is a fantastic city with world class culture, sport and companies and every child deserves to get the most out of it,’ said Janet Grauberg, chair of the Commission.

‘We have set out a vision for children and young people in Birmingham that we hope will be a reality for those growing up in this city in 10 years’ time – a city that is proud of its children, where they feel their voices are listened to and which is safe.

'We heard real optimism about the city’s future and a desire for every Birmingham child to be given the opportunity to flourish. We hope city leaders will seize this chance to make a long-lasting difference to the future of Birmingham’s children.'

Rob Willoughby, area director for The Children’s Society in the West Midlands, said: ‘Too many children in Birmingham feel like there is a huge “no entry” sign blocking them from swathes of the city. Too many children in Birmingham are isolated from what the city has to offer, whether that’s services, attractions, events and amenities.

‘Young people have told us that there aren’t enough safe spaces to go to play, and there aren’t enough places to go where they feel welcome, and this needs to change. Indeed, children should be given the freedom of the city.’