The potential cuts to youth provisions in Skipton and Craven have quite rightly sparked frustration and concern in our local community, particularly amongst those of us who have dedicated our efforts to improving safety and support for young people in the area.
As a member of Skipton Town Council and the founder of the Community Safety Working Group, I am deeply concerned about the impact these potential cuts could have. One of the objectives of this working group was to enhance the safety and wellbeing of young people in Skipton by providing them with more resources, activities, and support networks. However, the recent discussions about further reducing youth services have left me worried that these efforts could be undermined. Cutting these services – taking away the support that our young people desperately need – will only exacerbate the very issues we’re trying to solve.
A decline in youth services – a rise in problem issues
Over the past decade, Skipton and Craven has witnessed a steady decline in youth services, with funding cuts forcing the closure of several vital facilities and programmes. In 2014, the Craven District had 15 youth clubs and centres, providing a safe space for over 1,200 young people weekly.
Today, only five remain, serving a reduced number of just 500 youths. This decline has not only left many young people without access to essential services but has also contributed to a rise in antisocial behaviour and mental health issues among the youth population.
Local statistics further highlight the urgency of the situation. A report from the North Yorkshire Youth Partnership indicated a 30% increase in youth crime rates in Craven between 2018 and 2023, directly correlating with the reduction in youth service availability.
Moreover, in a survey conducted by Skipton Youth Council last year (completed by students from local schools and Craven College), 42% of young people in Skipton reported feeling isolated, citing the lack of accessible youth facilities as a significant factor. These concerning trends underline the importance of maintaining, if not expanding, youth provisions.
Cuts to the youth services lifeline must be opposed
For many young people in Skipton and Craven, these services are not a luxury but a lifeline – offering them a place to learn new skills, receive guidance, and find community. Reducing youth provisions at a time when they are more needed than ever is not just shortsighted – it’s harmful. Our young people deserve better, and it’s our responsibility to ensure they have the opportunities and support they need to thrive.
As the community awaits the final decision on these potential cuts, the Community Safety Working Group and I are calling on local officials and residents to voice their opposition. We are urging the public to consider the long-term impact that such decisions will have on the youth of Skipton and Craven, and to support efforts to safeguard and enhance these critical services.
In a time of increasing challenges for young people, the Community Safety Working Group and I remain committed to advocating for the resources and support that will ensure a safer, more inclusive future for all.
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