by political editor Paul Francis

Kent County Council has made some concessions over its plans for a far-reaching shake-up of youth services.

While the bulk of its proposals remain largely unchanged, youth service chiefs have bowed to calls to amend some elements of a re-organisation that will see a greater role for the private and independent sector.

The changes have proved controversial, with some fearing they could lead to the closure of some centres.

The county council will continue to provide some services directly, but is to contract out much more of the work. Some 70 jobs are expected to be lost in a move KCC expects will save some £900,000.

Under the shake-up, each district will have services based around a youth centre; at least one school-based youth worker and what are described as “street-based” activities.

After a lengthy consultation, some changes to the original plans have now been accepted.

In Canterbury, the council’s original proposal to move services away from Whitstable Youth Centre has been dropped. It will now be retained.

In Deal, where campaigners fought against plans that would have meant the possible closure of the Linwood Youth Centre, KCC now says there will be a new centre.

And in Dartford, youth services will now be based at The Bridge - a change from the original plan that envisaged services being based at the Thames Gateway YMCA.

Cllr Mike Hill (Con) cabinet member for youth services, said KCC had listened to those who had responded to the consultation and the views of locality boards.

“We have produced a better plan in conjunction with the locality boards. There was a strong view from some about where the buildings should be to provide youth work.”

Nigel Baker, head of KCC’s youth service, said there was enthusiasm among the independent and voluntary sector to take on work KCC currently provided.

“There will be a number of larger existing providers who will look at what is on offer and be interested but we are also improving the opportunities for smaller providers.”
Asked what would happen if there was no-one interested in taking on work put out to contract, Cllr Hill said: “Whatever we do, the responsibility to provide youth work remains with me and if our proposals do not meet minimum standards, I will have to do something about it.”

KCC expects to award contracts for work in November.