Youth centres closing down as spending is cut back in the region

SPENDING on youth services in the East Midlands has been slashed by more than £3,000 in just three years - with experts warning that young people’s futures are being put at risk.

New figures from UNISON reveal that our region has seen eight youth centres close since 2015/16.

The data, collected from Freedom of Information responses, paints a dire picture for youth services in the East Midlands.

In 2016/17, local authorities in our region spent £1,318 less on youth services when compared to the previous 12 months.

The following year it dropped by £1,349, and in 2018/19 spending is set to be slashed by £360 when compared with 2017/18.

It means that youth services in our region are spending £3,027 less per year in 2018/19 than they were in 2015/16.

The data also shows that 33 youth members have lost their jobs over that period.

The figures were collated by UNISON from local authorities’ responses to Freedom of Information requests.

Up and down the country, 893 jobs have been axed from local authority youth services between 2015/16 and 2018/19, and 160 centres have been closed.

UNISON also asked local youth workers what they thought about the cuts.

A staggering 84% said they were not confident about the future of local services, and more than two in every five are thinking about leaving their job for better paid work.

Dave Prentis, general secretary for UNISON, said: “Youth services have been hit disproportionately hard by spending cuts in the last decade.

“Youth services help with employment, training and education, potential mental health issues, and act to prevent alcohol and substance abuse, as well as crime and anti-social behaviour.

“This all saves other parts of the public sector and the wider economy large amounts of money.

“Youth workers are invaluable in ensuring young people have a positive role in society.

“Funding for these services should not be cut at a time when they are needed more than ever.”