Surrey County Conservatives

Surrey Conservatives support the Youth Service (22nd January)

Tuesday’s Council Meeting witnessed a debate on the Surrey Youth Service following a motion being put to Council by opposition members.

Andrew Crisp, the Executive Member for Schools, Children & Youth Services, reiterated his support for a strong and sustainable Youth Service, rejecting the view that the short-termism proposed in the motion would be helpful. Andrew informed Members that since a freeze on recruitment was implemented in December there had been a net loss of only 1 person, and that the Youth Service was continuing to do well.

Responding to the Lib-Dems Andrew said: “Surrey’s Youth Service do a fantastic job, and the motion recognises this. Ofsted are impressed with the services we offer, and all Members appear to share that belief. In the last two year’s spending on youth services in Surrey has risen by £2 million, focused on what young people want.

Given the consistent and continuing underfunding of Surrey by this present Government we face tough choices. We want to do more, but we are hamstrung by our funding settlements.

Nevertheless we are continuing to invest more where we can, and we will provide the best Youth Service possible for the benefit of the people of Surrey”.