Council proposes to reduce youth service budget by £750,000

Reading Borough Council estimates it needs to save £51m across all services over the next three years.

The council currently spends £2.1m on youth services – but has outlined plans to cut spending on youth services by £750,000, which it says would bring it in line with spending by neighbouring councils.

From April 2017 it plans to axe funding for all open-access youth clubs. It said it will attempt to get voluntary organisations to run provision instead.

??“Mainly our youth offer will aim to work with young people who have emerging or established needs,” a report that went before councillors last night said. ??

A 10-week consultation on the plans is now due to take place.

Jan Gavin, Reading Council's lead member for children’s services, said: “Reading Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and protecting those who are most vulnerable and providing the best starts in life through education, early help and healthy living.

“Reading has always been generous in its provision of youth services but in the face of ongoing savage government cuts we are left with no choice but to review what we currently offer.

“This consultation will help us plan for the future and ensure the right services are there for those children and young people who need them most.”