Youth betrayed by Conservative County Council

A Lib Dem County Councillor has raised questions about the future of Youth Work in the County. Cllr Simon Galton is concerned that the massive reductions in Youth Work will see a loss of capacity to help the County's young people.

Cllr Don Wright, Liberal Democrat Children and Young People's Services Spokesman said: "I think that the County's youth have been led down the garden path, offered access, and meetings they have dutifully participated in. The result has been increased cuts to their service from the Conservatives supposedly 'listening' to them.

It started with a £1m cut out of Youth service, which became £1.5m when area based grants disappeared and now raised to £1.78m. For all the talk of targeted services and better provision for those that need them, this is a cut that targets young people. Responses to the County Council's survey and focus groups show that most people believe youth work to be important, and we feel that the loss of support for young people is simply storing up costs for later.

With all the uncertainty and pressure on households socially and financially, we feel children and young people (especially teenagers) need to have a safe and supported outlet through professional youth work available for all. "