A local authority has hit out at plans to cut youth services stating it will cause “irreparable” damage.

Gravesham council has raised “serious concerns” over the Kent County Council (KCC) proposals for changes to its family hubs, specifically the impact it would cause by cancelling its youth contract with The Grand.

The Grand, based in Wilfred Street, Gravesend, runs free activities such as exercise classes and English lessons and also hosts the youth service Gifted Young Gravesham (GYG).

In a statement, Gravesham council cabinet member for community and leisure, Cllr Lauren Sullivan, said: “The Grand has consistently over-delivered and over-performed, increasing the numbers of young people supported and using its youth programme to support fundraising for additional services such as counselling support, which has seen a huge rise in demand due to increasing mental health issues.

“The consultation document proposes the cessation of these youth contracts and yet commits to deliver community-based youth work by supporting existing and new local volunteer-led groups. We struggle to see the point of that.

“Ceasing existing contracts would result in undoing the years of work in developing successful links with schools and educational partners, other community organisations and, importantly, the community themselves.

“Relying on existing KCC provisions limits accessibility for young people living in other areas of the borough. Volunteer-led provision will also take time and core funds to develop and deliver.

“Yet that provision already exists and works successfully in Gravesham through The Grand.

“The proposals as they stand will decimate existing youth provision at a time when young people are most in need of support.

“We consider that decision to be flawed and are urging KCC to re-consider the proposal to cease commissioned youth contracts.

“The loss of The Grand would do irreparable damage to the support network for young people in Gravesham, the consequences of which really do not bear thinking about.”

Some 80 commissioned groups are at risk as KCC looks to save more than £900,000 a year from its budget.

It plans not to renew its contracts with various youth service providers when they end in March 2024 but instead will implement a family hub model to meet its legal requirements.

This would mean different services for the whole family will be brought together in one building.

Cllr Sullivan added although Gravesham has a “vibrant and culturally rich community”, it also has the third-highest population density in Kent, high unemployment rates and some of the most deprived wards in the country.

Therefore, she said it was important to ensure “adequate provision of services and support remains available”, particularly for young people where demand for support is increasing.

Last month, youngsters protested outside County Hall, in Maidstone, as councillors gathered for a cabinet meeting to discuss KCC’s finances.

It came after KentOnline reported the plans to cut the funding of 80 youth groups would leave 8,000 young people “with nowhere to go”.

Speaking previously, GYG committee members Liam Barden, 16, and Amelia Hickinbotham, 18, said the proposals would see youth groups across Gravesend shut.

They said: “The group means a lot to us and it is scary that it might not be around as young adults may get involved with drugs or anti-social behaviour.

“We have teenagers wanting to get involved with our activities or seeking help walking through our doors every week.

“Everything we provide young people is free, with activities and workshops on offer four days a week, youth clubs in rural areas, trips to events in London and visits to colleges.

“We are lucky that we may be able to find alternative methods of financing but a lot of groups do not even have that so will close.”

The plans are out for consultation and people have until Wednesday (September 13) to share their views. To view the consultation click here.

As part of the council’s cost-saving measures, 35 children’s centres could also face closure in the restructuring of community services.

KCC is encouraging families who may be affected to take part in the consultation and are also keen to hear from young people directly.

They can also leave their views on forms at youth centres or email videos or messages to familyhubsfeedback@kent.gov.uk.

A spokesman added: “We are currently consulting on the design of a new Family Hubs service for the county and as such all proposals remain just that – no decisions have been taken.

“The consultation also makes clear that while KCC is proposing to not renew current contracts with youth service providers when they end in March 2024, we would continue to provide services for young people and their families.

“This would be through a mix of activity within KCC centres and outreach locations. We will also continue to develop community-based youth work by supporting existing local volunteer-led groups.”