Consultation feedback sparks rethink on youth service restructure
Neil Puffett
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Hundreds of responses to a consultation on the future of youth services in Kent have led the council to revise plans by boosting the provision of youth work in schools and retain control of two youth clubs.
As a result of local feedback, the council has pledged to provide more youth workers in schools and there will now be a new youth centre for the town of Deal where an existing youth centre is set to close.
Plans for the YMCA to run more services in Dartford have also changed and the services will now be delivered from a council centre in the area.
There were more than 700 responses to the consultation from individuals and groups, with the council receiving artwork and in one case, a rap produced by young people.
Out of 468 submissions to a questionnaire, the largest proportion were from 13-to 15-year-olds who filed 139 reponses.
Kent County Council’s lead member for communities Mike Hill said: “We know youth services are dear to many people’s hearts and we share that enthusiasm.
“We believe this plan will provide high quality youth services and for some areas, they will receive even more than before.
“We will be working with our partners and the local community over the coming months as well as talking to the voluntary sector about the part they can play in Kent’s youth services."
Despite changes to the original plans around 70 jobs are still set to be lost and a total of £900,000 will be cut from the budget.
The new structure will take effect from January 2013.
