 |
Liberal Democrats on Kent County CouncilThe Official Opposition on Kent County Council |
COUNTY COUNCIL SHAMED BY CITY COUNCIL?
February 18, 2005 12:19 PM
Youth Activites - There Is Still A £600,000 Gap
At a meeting of Kent County Council on Thursday, which set the budget for 2005/06, Cllr Martin Vye, Liberal Democrat Member for Canterbury South, expressed his delight that an extra £1.452 million would be available next year for the Youth Service, a 25% increase.
He said: "Kent has lagged well behind in funding activities for young people. I know from my experience in Canterbury the large unmet need for youth workers. I believe every young person has the right to take part in good quality activities in their free time. It is also imperative to engage hard-to-reach youngsters, and to divert them away from activities damaging to themselves and others. For years the County Council has not provided the money to meet the need."
It is a matter of record that until this year KCC were putting into the budget about £2 million under what it should be spending, according to national guidelines.
Martin went on to say: "Fortunately in my area Canterbury City Council has taken several welcome initiatives to fill the gap in the provision of youth activities. This year's extra funding by the County shows that the Conservative administration is beginning to make amends, and match the City Council's commitment. But I will really believe it when the County Council finally brings its funding up to the national guidelines. There is still a £600,000 gap."