Research carried out by Green London Assembly member Sian Berry has revealed the shocking amount by which youth services in London have been cut since 2011 - the cumulative amount adds up to more than £145 million.
Sian has been instrumental in beginning to reverse these cuts. In February she announced that she had succeeded in persuading Mayor Sadiq Khan to create a £45 million three-year fund to support youth services - see her celebratory Facebook post.
Enfield Greens are committed to restoring the necessary level of funding for youth services in the borough - in order to improve the health and happiness of future generations (not to mention improving the lives of their parents).
Sian's report into cuts in youth services
Main findings 2011/12 to 2017/18:
- At least £39 million has been cut from council youth service budgets across London.
- Overall, there has been a 44 per cent youth service budget cut, with the average council taking £1.5 million out of youth services over this time.
- Across 25 councils with like-for-like data, 81 youth centres and major councilsupported youth projects have been cut.
- Across 22 councils with like-for-like data, 800 youth service full-time posts have gone.
- At least a further £1.2 million is being cut from 15 councils in 2018/19 budgets.
- Since 2011, the cumulative amount not spent on services for young people in London is now more than £145 million.