by political editor Paul Francis

A far-reaching shake-up of youth services is expected to result in wide-ranging job losses, the possible closure of 12 youth centres and the ending of funding for 27 projects.

Kent County Council has unveiled proposals that would mean it is no longer directly involved in running youth services that are available to 131,000 young people between 13 and 19.

Instead, the private sector and other voluntary groups and charities will be invited to take over virtually all of its existing services.

The re-organisation will save about £1million but will mean that the county council will have just one youth centre acting as a ‘hub’ in each of the 12 districts across Kent.

These would act as a focal point for providing services across each area.

Currently, youth work takes place at more than 90 different locations although activities are not confined to youth centres but include street-based projects, school work and community tutors.

Youth centres that are no longer required or are not taken over by other providers face being sold off.

They include two in Maidstone and one that has not even been formally opened yet.

In a report setting out its plans to move to what it describes as a commissioning model, KCC acknowledges there is a significant risk that services may no longer be provided on the same scale or to the same quality as now.

Under its new vision, each of Kent’s districts will have a centrally located youth hub; at least one community youth tutor; one street-based project and various commissioned youth work.

However, support KCC currently provides through grants to 24 youth clubs and street-based projects is to be withdrawn.

KCC’s report states: "It is unknown at this stage how many newly-commissioned projects will replace those no longer delivered directly [after] consultation."

On job losses, one in four posts are to go, with 64 staff facing redundancy and a further 60 employees who work on specific projects also under threat.

Council chiefs say their plans mean "creating an environment in which enterprising local people or groups can take the opportunity to manage and shape their youth services."

Cllr Mike Hill, KCC cabinet member for communities, said: "These proposals are intended to transform the way we deliver services to young people so that we can continue to provide a first class service despite the severe financial pressures we all face.

"We will carry out a consultation with the public to ask their views before any formal decisions are taken and the first stage is for these plans to be discussed the cabinet on Monday."

Unison voiced concerns. Kent branch secretary David Lloyd said: "We do not want to see these services out-sourced and go elsewhere.

"The services the youth services deliver, especially to vulnerable people, is crucial."

What do you think? Are you affected by the potential youth centre closures? Email us at multimediadesk@thekmgroup.co.uk or join the debate below.

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These are the youth centres that may close or be handed over to other organisations under KCC’s shake-up.

Ashford: XC Youth Centre; Sk8side Youth Centre

Canterbury: Whitstable Youth Centre

Dover: Lindwood Youth Centre; Aylesham Youth Centre

Dartford: The Bridge Youth Arts Centre

Gravesham: Miracles Youth Centre; The Gr@nd

Maidstone: Shepway Youth Centre; Lenham Youth Centre

Sevenoaks: Edenbridge Youth Centre (due to open 2012)

Swale: Sheerness County Youth Centre; Faversham Youth Centre Tonbridge and Malling: SAMAYS Youth Centre

Thanet: Concorde Youth Centre; Artwise Youth Centre

Tunbridge Wells: Mascalls Youth Centre