Community groups will have a greater say on shaping youth services under a new strategy.

Brighton and Hove City Council’s commissioning strategy for services for young people has been welcomed by charities who say it will help “protect and enhance” services in the city.

Voluntary and community groups will work more closely to ensure both specialist youth work and general drop-in facilities can continue running.

The strategy will also see the council working in partnership with other organisations to commission a range of services, from sports and leisure activities, arts and cultural opportunities to specialist support for vulnerable young people.

Jess Woods, director of the Allsorts Youth Project and chair of the Children and Young People’s Network, praised the efforts the council has made.

She said: “Unlike so many local authorities and councils in other regions, councillors here across the political divide have been determined to protect and enhance youth services in our city.

"They should be congratulated for having the vision and determination to protect our young people who are vulnerable and enable youth services to continue to enhance the lives of all our youth.”

Councillor Sue Shanks, the council’s cabinet member for children and young people, said: “Youth work offers young people things to do, places to go and people to talk to.

“We consider this should be a core offer for our city.

“Tackling inequality is a priority for us and youth services are a key part of achieving this.

"Unlike many other local authorities we will hold our youth services budget at current levels for the next year.”

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