Commenting on the YMCA report Safe Space published today (Tuesday) examining the role of council youth services, UNISON head of local government Jon Richards said:

“Youth services are in tatters after almost a decade of austerity.

“Our research has shown that since 2010 government cuts have forced 940 youth centres to close with the loss of 4,500 youth workers.

“Young people need places to go, and adults they can trust, in order to feel safe. Councils must be given proper funding to support the needs of local communities.”