MP 'disappointed' that Young People's Service cuts are still on the cards

10.00.00am GMT Tue 24th Jan 2006

David at a rally against the Mental Health cuts

David Howarth, MP for Cambridge, has today voiced his disappointment with Cambridge City and South Cambridgeshire Primary Care Trusts' response to the public consultation on the proposed cuts to mental health services in Cambridge.

Following the end of the consultation period, the PCT has reported on the results of the consultation and produced a recommendation for the Board to decide upon on Wednesday. With respect to the Young People's Service, the PCT has recommended to the Board that only two of the current clinical staff members from the YPS would be retained to focus primarily on 17-19 year olds and would also offer consultation and supervision to other services working with 20 to 25 year olds.

Commenting on the recommendations, Mr. Howarth said:

"It is very disappointing that there has been no substantial change to the proposed cuts to the Young People's Service following the public consultation.

"It is unrealistic to expect just two members of staff to carry out their own work with 17-19 year olds and then to carry out supervisory work for other agencies treating those between the ages of 20-25 years old. The Trust is still cutting the YPS' funding and is providing no resources for this 'supervisory work' so it is difficult to see how these two members of staff are going to manage."