Charity Alerts Council to Risk of Losing £4 Million Funding

A charitable organization has cautioned that a council in Devon might be at risk of losing £4 million in government funding if it fails to adequately assist in housing young people leaving care. YMCA Exeter stated that the funding would be inaccessible if Torbay Council did not facilitate the creation of 36 affordable accommodation units in Paignton for young individuals who have experienced care. During a council meeting held on December 9, Councillor Swithin Long commented that the loss of these funds would be “an absolute tragedy.” A spokesperson for Torbay Council stated: “All planning applications must be considered according to their individual circumstances and take into account relevant national and local planning policies.” The spokesperson further indicated that the authority intends to maintain close collaboration with Homes England and other partners to deliberate on the implementation of the project’s designated funding. An earlier proposal put forward by YMCA Exeter, which was turned down on October 14, aimed to supply 18 residences for local young people in Paignton. The council’s decision to reject this development stemmed from worries that the proposed properties were situated within a primary tourism zone. YMCA Exeter specified that securing the funding necessitates having 36 units operational by the conclusion of March. Last Wednesday, young individuals assembled to place 469 flags around the Care Leavers Tree located in Victoria Park, Paignton. This display symbolized the current count of young people with care experience residing in Torbay. Andy Fletcher, aged 31, who was in care between the ages of eight and 18, now serves as a volunteer YMCA Exeter Ambassador. He remarked: “I’d honestly be dead without YMCA Exeter.” He added: “My journey has been about maturing as a person. Today I can look back and see the difference in my life.” BBC Devon can be followed on X, Facebook, and Instagram. Story ideas may be submitted to spotlight@bbc.co.uk. Copyright © 2024 BBC. All rights are reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding its approach to external linking is available.