Cuts in County Youth Service Funding of 75%?
January 23, 2012 4:24 PM
By John Bailey
By John Bailey
The current 75% cuts are vastly greater than the cuts in County funding?
Why have the cuts been made without consultation with the very young people involved?
Large cuts have already been made to school support and in the number of PCSO's. Is there no joined up thinking or concern about the effects?
What has the the Tory administration of Somerset County Council got against Young People?
A large group of young people, tremendous ambassadors for Somerset young people, and community leaders came along to the recent County Scrutiny Committee meeting to ask these questions.The one person who did not turn up or give any reason for his absence was the Conservative Councillor in charge of young people's services - the man who actually makes the decision. What an example to the youngsters who took the trouble to make reasoned and articulate appeals.
There were warnings about the dangers of increased anti-social behaviour, of extra costs to the police and social services. A senior Conservative councillor warned that the council might face another judicial review, like the bungled and unlawful cuts to libraries which may cost taxpayers £100,000 or more.
There was no one to listen.
The Liberal Democrats won a motion which would save many jobs and clubs, while still achieving major savings. The absentee Tory councillor can just ignore it.
The reality of these actions must be that the current Conservative County Council does not care about Somerset young people. I hope that through your letter page that Somerset residents will be encouraged to ask these questions, fight these cuts and support Somerset young people.
What would you like to do next?
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