A cut to the budget for youth services is set to lead to job losses.

Essex County Council wants more voluntary and private sector workers to deliver services under cost-cutting measures.

Essex County Councillor Ray Gooding, cabinet member for education and lifelong learning, said: “We cannot get away from the fact we are working in a tough economic climate but we have tried to ensure we can deliver the best service possible.

“Based on our experience initiatives such as involving the community has seen local youth provision increase and flourish.”

The council has promised all youth programs will continue and it will also fulfil a commitment to spend an additional £1 million to improve facilities.

The full list of proposals detailing the future of Essex Youth Services will be presented to Essex County Council Cabinet for review on February 25.