This frustration would have been compounded by the Department for Education and Skills' comment in its Transforming Youth Work document late last year that the Government would consider taking poorly performing youth services away from councils. This raised the spectre of possible further privatisation.
But contracting out has already spread its wings beyond the south London borough, especially since the advent of Connexions, where the tradition of subcontracting has become well-established.
At the beginning of this month, external contracting firm Prospects Services took over sole responsibility for the youth service contract in Bromley.
The not-for-profit company also won a tender to run youth services in Tower Hamlets, east London, last year and is managing youth services in the London Borough of Redbridge. In addition, it is a subcontractor in five Connexions partnerships.
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here
