COUNTY chiefs proposing a major restructure to children’s services are urging the public to comment on the plans.
From April 2015, Hampshire County Council wants to shift youth services to a system where organisations bid for contracts, as happens in sectors like waste collection. It is hoped the changes, which are out for consultation, will save up to £1.2 million from the children’s services budget.
Currently voluntary groups use council funding to provide a number of services.
The plans will support outreach schemes and town centre ‘youth pods’, where young people can access information and guidance on sexual health, substance abuse, employment and emotional wellbeing.
Children’s services chief Cllr Keith Mans said: “Government funding reductions mean that the county council must look at all areas of its business and develop more cost-effective ways to deliver services with limited resources.”
The six-week consultation began on October 29, days after county bosses announced that frontline children’s services could be hit by a £100 million budget cut.
Youth services have been largely protected in previous rounds of cuts.
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