Ellie Ames 14 June 2024

UNISON: More than two-thirds of council youth centres lost

UNISON: More than two-thirds of council youth centres lost  image
Image: The Road Provides / Shutterstock.com

Funding cuts have led to the closure of more than two-thirds of council-run youth centres in England and Wales since 2010, according to a trade union.

Unison found that 1,243 council-run youth centres closed between 2010 and 2023, with just 581 still in operation by the end of March last year.

By 2023, more than four in 10 councils (42%) no longer operated their own youth centres.

Unison warned that the loss of facilities and specialist workers to provide guidance and mentoring had put teenagers at risk of isolation, gang and knife culture, and anti-social activities on the streets.

The next government must take the issue seriously and invest in rebuilding the network of council youth centres and staff training, the union argued.

Unison head of local government Mike Short said: ‘Councils and the youth workers they employ can do a lot of good for local communities and help keep the streets safer too. But only if they are given the funding to do so.

‘Sadly a decade and more of austerity has undone much of the previous good work and created a lost generation of youngsters.’

The union also revealed that over a third (38%) of council-run children’s centres in England have closed since 2010, with number dropping from 3,106 to 1,168.

Unison warned that the closures have left many vulnerable families unable to access important early years support.

Check out: UNISON: To whoever forms the next government…

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

YPSA Support Worker

Oxfordshire County Council
£38220 - £40777
The Young Persons Supported Accommodation Service is an in house provider within Oxfordshire County Council. You will be joining an established and experienced team at a time of change as the service registers under the new Ofsted supported housing regula Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Durham County Council
Grade 6 £28,142 - £31,022
We are looking for an enthusiastic and committed individual to be part of a small team in an innovative Independent Living House providing advice on e Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Mechanical Foreman

Durham County Council
£35,412 to £39,152 p.a. (Grade 9)
A vacancy has arisen within Construction for a Mechanical Foreman working full time 37 hours.   WHAT IS INVOLVED?  Within a commercial heating environ Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Wraparound Care Supervisor

Durham County Council
£24,796 pro rata
Wraparound Care Supervisor Grade 1 £24,796 pro rata  Required as soon as possible  Part time - 15.15-17.15, Mon-Fri Term Time only Permanent We are l Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Business Engagement Team Manager

Durham County Council
Grade 13 £47,181 to £51,356 per annum
We are looking for an experienced individual who is able to establish excellent stakeholder relationships and communicate effectively with a wide rang Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner