Youth services likely to be axed in council budget cuts

TWO services for West Sussex youngsters are set to be axed next month as part of county council budget cuts.
By The Newsroom
Published 21st Jan 2012, 11:00 BST

The council’s cabinet member for education and schools is being recommended to approve withdrawal of subsidies to the West Sussex Youth Theatre and the council’s Enrichment Programme. New partners are being sought for the youth theatre – annual subsidy £116,000 – which is described as a discretionary activity and can no longer be sustained in its current form. If no new partners are found, the service will cease. The Enrichment Programme provides a range of extra-curricular activities and provision for the most able students across the county, and it is hoped that alternative delivery through other providers will be found. A consultation exercise will be held before April, 2013, regarding any future provision.

The cabinet member’s decisions are due to be made next month.