The Dorset Echo has covered a call by Green Councillor Clare Sutton (Rodwell & Wyke) for extra funding for youth clubs across the county.
Attending the Dorset Council Cabinet meeting, she asked: “Can the council please consider making a ‘cost of living’ grant available to youth clubs which have been working so hard to keep youth work alive in Dorset and support our young people through these difficult times?
“The £2 million for Cost of Living support [unanimously approved at the same meeting] wasn’t in the budget but it’s been found, which is very welcome. But what concerns me is, first of all, it doesn’t seem very democratic, but also, it doesn’t give us all a say in what’s the best way to allocate additional resources in relation to the cost of living crisis.
“Is it too late to consider whether some of that £2million pounds might be better repurposed towards not supporting individuals but supporting groups that support many of those individuals or, failing that, that additional resources could be found in that regard?”
Clare reminded the Cabinet that many Dorset youth clubs had been forced to close since the previous council withdrew financial support for 22 clubs in 2016, and while some had found support from community groups, many now found themselves in financial difficulties.
“Like many voluntary sector organisations, they are struggling with the cost of living crisis. Whilst they can apply for up to £5,000 per year for project funding from Dorset Council’s Youth Fund, many may close without additional support. For example, at STEPS Club for Young People, where I am a trustee, utility costs have risen from around £6,000 to £14,000 per annum. In addition, Dorset Council is about to finally complete the Lease arrangement with the Charity, after which they will be responsible for additional building contracts totalling around £5,000 and a further £5000 for building insurance every year. The Club, the only full time youth centre in Weymouth & Portland, will have to find an additional £18,000 per year, an overall rise in expenditure of almost 30%.”