In Croydon, not far from central London’s glow, a quiet emergency is unfolding. The local council, led by Mayor Jason Perry, has announced sweeping cuts to the in-house Youth Engagement Team (YET)—a move sharply criticised by MPs and community leaders as a betrayal of young people in the borough.
Since 2021, Croydon’s government arms have redirected roughly £1.5 million in funding from direct youth work to external organisations — some reportedly run by former gang members. Now, the council is eliminating its own Youth Engagement Team entirely, outsourcing with £200,000 of public funds and leveraging a consultation that surveyed only 40 people––of whom just 31 were children and 9 were parents.
Amidst rising knife crime and gang tensions—especially around McDonald’s hotspots—this retreat from direct youth provision feels less like transformation and more like abandonment.
What Did Croydon Lose?
- Trusted Mentors and Safer Spaces
The YET employed specialist youth workers in hubs like New Addington and Fieldway. Their presence meant trusted adults were on-hand to build relationships, intervene in early signs of trouble, mediate disputes, and guide young people through education and employment hurdles. - Preventative Interventions
The team tackled knife crime, gang culture, and substance misuse through workshops, targeted interventions, and youth clubs. As Croydon East MP Natasha Irons warns, closing YET undermines a vital “lifeline” for vulnerable youth. - Connection to Accountability
The service fell under council courts and backed by statutory local services. Outsourcing breaks that governance link and dilutes accountability—who ensures those groups deliver?
Where Does the Funding Go Now?
The council’s strategy is to redirect funds to rival organisations through competitive grants. Many are voluntary-sector outfits or supposed ex-gang rehabilitation programs. Some are led by groups with murky track records.
This fragmented patchwork replaces trained staff with volunteers, weakening consistency and depth of engagement. As Labour’s Amy Foster notes, it may leave vulnerable young people without dependable mentors.
Why Now, and Why It Matters
Perry cites financial necessity and poor YET awareness among partners. But since 2010, Croydon Council has slashed youth budgets by 73%, reducing Youth Engagement funding to zero. Then, he quietly cut 20 Neighbourhood Safety Officers, further weakening frontline youth services.
