Entire council youth service put out to tender

The move by Devon County Council comes following a decision in October last year to hand over the service to an independent organisation such an employee-led mutual.?

The successful bidder, which would begin on an initial three-year term from 1 February next year, would be expected to continue the broad range of early help and support services for children and young people, and their families, currently offered by the in-house youth service at the council.

This includes an open-access youth service at the eight youth centres, targeted work for vulnerable young people and advice, guidance and support to voluntary and community groups that work with young people.

The successful bidder will also be required to provide alternative provision that secondary schools can purchase on behalf of pupils with additional needs as well as offer Duke of Edinburgh's Award programmes. The tender process runs until midday on 25 July.

Barry Parsons, Devon County Council's lead member for youth services said the move is designed to protect the service from further budget reductions. The £3.8m annual youth services budget was cut by £970,000 in 2014, leading to the closure of 32 facilities, and loss of 60 jobs.

"Young people have told us how much they value youth services, as do we, and that's why we want to safeguard their future, working together to achieve a vibrant service that meets their needs," he said.

"However, government funding will continue to fall, and while the service remains part of the council and subject to financial constraints, its future viability is in question.

"The council will retain responsibility for the service, commissioning the new organisation to deliver it on the council's behalf.

"We are confident that this is the best way to protect the service's future for young people, while trying to ensure that the staff, who are already known within their communities, continue to provide the service."