YOUNG people will suffer and crime will rise after “almost criminal” Government cuts to youth services, Harrow Council says.

Residents will also feel the repercussions after around £150,000 was stripped out of the youth offending team (YOT) last week, the authority claims.

Councillor Mitzi Green, responsible for children’s services, said: “The really worrying aspect is that more young people will suffer and be in danger of reoffending with the ongoing consequences of residents suffering from further crime and anti-social behaviour.

“We could all be losers here.”

The YOT works with young people at risk of offending to try and steer them away from crime and works with around 300 ten to 18-year-olds a year, as well as roughly 100 orders from courts.

Mental health problems, learning difficulties and self-harm are not uncommon among the children the team helps, and it claims a 50 per cent success rate in steering them permanently away from crime.

Council officers fear a further £55,000 of funding from other public bodies, including the police, health services and probation, could be under threat as those organisation face their own budget problems.

Cllr Green said: “Youth offending teams play a vital role in steering young people away from a downward spiral of criminal behaviour.

“By stepping in and working closely with troubled young people, they also reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in our communities.

“To make cuts to this vital service so late in the day is almost criminal in itself.”

The council had previously planned cuts of £94,000 to staff at the YOT.