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Somerset youth centres face closure as council cuts youth service budget by 75 per cent

Somerset County Council is set to stop funding for 18 youth groups including seven youth centres as part of measures to reduce its spend on youth services by 75 per cent over the next three years.

Out of the 21 council-owned youth centres, seven could be handed over to community groups while 11 community-based groups that are currently supported by council resources could see that funding stopped.

The council currently supports more than 30 community groups by providing staff or funding.

Cabinet member for children and young people Councillor John Osman, said the proposals would save the authority £2.25m over three years.

"We are faced with tough choices to balance the budget after a harsh government settlement," he said. "Reducing the council’s youth services will have an impact on some young people across the county. I am sure though that many of these centres will continue to operate and we are already in detailed talks with several groups and partners keen to explore alternatives."

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