Last Wednesday Ruth Cadbury gave a wide ranging speech on violent crime in the House of Commons, linking the recent 18% increase in violent crime, to the 'politically driven austerity policies', which have seen deep cuts imposed on our youth services.
Since 2010 the Government cuts to Councils have meant spending on Youth Services is down 70% in 9 years, an £880 million cut in funding. This has led to over 600 youth clubs closing, alongside over 3,000 dedicated youth workers losing their jobs.
Speaking in the debate Ruth said ''Early Interventions, such as children's centres, basic welfare and early counselling, benefit most the young people who are at the great risk of being victims or perpetrators. We need to see them restored... too many communities are having to deal with the breaking impact of violent crime, and the government are too slow to act.''
Following up after the debate, Ruth said ''Lots of people who responded to my local survey on crime, expressed their dismay about the violent muggings and attacks targeted against young people. We saw the tragic impact that has, with the fatal stabbing of a 17 year old in Isleworth, and I know it's so important we all work together.
That's why I've held a listening event on youth crime and carried out a survey, why I've spoken in Parliament, and written to the Home Secretary and Policing Minister about the policing cuts, and why I'll keep working to ensure our communities are safe.''