George Downs, Member of the Youth Parliament for East and Mid Devon, has released a statement on behalf of UK Youth Parliament Devon regarding the cuts to youth services in Devon:

“Young people across Devon have started to take action in the face of devastating cuts which face their youth service. Over the next weeks, we hope to make it clear to decision makers in Devon County Council that we will not just accept the destruction of our youth service. We will challenge every decision which will have a negative impact on young people and their futures. The young people of Devon are not blind to the reasons behind this decision, it is because politicians feel that we will not challenge and accept the status quo, this is not the case. The overall long-term cost of these cuts will be much greater than the initial savings, eventually costing the tax payer more in years to come. Devon Youth Service provides young people with vital health and well-being awareness along with helping them to find decently paid, secure employment and creating safe havens in every major town. Do not desert Devon’s future for a short term saving.”

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