Stats reveal YOT funding disparity

Figures released by the Youth Justice Board (YJB) show the North East of England receives the most funds to spend per head in relation to its population of 10- to 17- year-olds, with a total of £18.9m for 250,785 children, working out at £75.50 each.

The figure is more than double that available in the east of England, where it stands at £36.50 per head.

YOTs are funded through a variety of local partners, including the police, probation, health and local aut-horities as well as the YJB, leading to variations in funding levels from area to area.

Lorna Hadley, chair of the Association of Youth Offending Team Managers, said health and probation contributions have been previously raised as an issue of concern, varying between different YOT areas.

"We have been concerned that there is no clear guidance as to what partners contribute," Hadley said. She added that her members harbour concerns around potential reductions to local authority contributions, traditionally making up the largest proportion, as a result of the compre-hensive spending review next month.

YJB director of performance Lucy Dawes said: "It is inappropriate to comment on the funding situation, subject to the spending review announcement."

REGIONAL VARIATIONS

Spend per head available to YOTs

• North East £75.5
• London £70.9
• Wales £67.3
• North West £55.1
• Yorkshire and Humberside £54.6
• West Midlands £53.5
• East Midlands £47.8
• South West £41.0
• South East £36.9
• Eastern £36.5