Youth council funding crisis raised at full council meeting (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

Youth council funding crisis raised at full council meeting

2:40pm Friday 27th November 2009 in

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A MOTION to reinvest thousands of pounds into St Albans Youth Council, which plays a key part in organising community events across the district, will be debated by a budget committee.

Councillor Mike Wakely, seconded by county councillor for Redbourn Maxine Crawley, proposed the council pour at least £40,000 more into St Albans' town and parish councils, which have recently suffered because of money-saving cutbacks.

Moving the motion at a full council meeting on Wednesday night, Councillor Wakeley, who represents Harpenden South, said: "Youth, you either love them or hate them - that can change more than 30 seconds - but I hope all our councillors agree that our youth is our most valuable asset.

"I very much hope we can put back the £40,000 funding and perhaps increase it for parishes and towns - it's a small sum for a very high value."

St Albans Mela and Harpenden Summer Sounds festival were among the achievements of the district's youth councils highlighted by Councillor Wakeley.

The Review reported in September how cuts to the youth council's budget left it unable to replace a support worker, funded by the district council, who proved key in helping to arrange community events and other activites.

Speaking after the meeting Councillor Crawley, who is championing Redbourn Youth Council, said: "By cutting the amount that was in the budget previously, there was not enough money to pay for the youth support officer, therefore the excellent communication between St Albans District Council and the youth council was diminished.

"The youth is our greatest asset, it's a shame that it is a service that has been cut."

The council agreed the motion should be discussed by a budget committee.