Council agrees £900k youth service funding cuts

The decision to cut youth services was made following a two-month consultation

Planned cuts of about £900,000 which could "decimate" youth services across Kent will go ahead.

On Thursday, Kent County Council's (KCC) cabinet decided to adopt a government-led scheme to bring essential services under one umbrella called Family Hubs.

The new funding arrangement will see the end of KCC subsidies for youth clubs and activities commissioned by the council but run by outside organisations.

Councillor Sue Chandler, cabinet member for children’s services, said the new model would bring £11m of “transformational funding” over three years.

Despite a public backlash and fears of a rise in gang crime and mental health issues, the decision was approved following a two-month consultation.

Now youth groups have to find alternative funding arrangements if they are to continue.

Subsidies they currently receive will end in April 2024, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

KCC must make tens of millions of pounds in savings this year and another projected £86m in 2024/25, according to auditors Grant Thornton.

Lauren Sullivan, councillor for Gravesham and leader of the Labour group at KCC, said: “The proposals as they stand will decimate existing youth provision at a time when young people are most in need of support.”

A KCC report stated the authority was committed to delivering the best outcomes through a "hybrid of universal and targeted support for children, young people, and their families, delivering services identified through the Family Hub guidance".

"This will include a community-based universal offer to provide information and advice on child and adolescent development," it added.