An article by Keith Cooper in ‘Inside Housing’ (12/8/11) says that Haringey council (which covers the Tottenham area):
“…pressed ahead with major youth service cutbacks despite official warnings they could lead to an increase in gang activity and anti-social behaviour.”
“Haringey Council papers from April reveal its children and young people’s support, education and employment services budgets were slashed by 75 per cent this financial year in a bid to save £14.1 million.
“The papers state the reduction could produce ‘adverse outcomes including an increase in anti-social behaviour’.”
“After helping drive through the cuts, the authority’s Labour leader Claire Kober has now made an urgent appeal to deputy prime minister Nick Clegg for extra cash to help it rebuild links with young people.”
“Another London borough badly damaged by rioting was also warned against cuts to youth support services. Croydon Council is cutting its youth services by a third from £6 million in 2010/11 to £4 million in 2013/14.
“Its cuts will see the loss of 41 youth support worker posts, including 16 in-house staff.
“The south London borough was warned these cuts could result in increased ASB, council papers show.”
“The cuts to Haringey’s youth services were introduced despite strong opposition from youth advocacy organisations in the north London borough.”
NB – The above are extracts from the article
