Dudley Council has denied it spends too much money on children’s services outside the borough when funds should be used closer to home.
Youth workers from a new centre in Dudley town centre called The Forge in the Churchill Centre claim the authority could do more to support local organisations.
Adam Bradley, who also runs Headz Up, a non-profit CIC which provides sport and lifestyle coaching, and James Bragg, a director with the Strike Youth CIC, are set to open The Forge in the coming weeks.
Adam Bradley said: “Services are brought in, parachuted in, it should not be happening.
“In Dudley we have got organisations that are capable but don’t ever get funding.”
James Bragg added: “Recognise who is doing what; too many big organisations are getting an abundance of money and the impact on the ground is very little because it has to trickle down through all those big wages – come out and see what is on your doorstep.”
Dudley Council says in the 2025/26 financial year 97 percent of its delivery partners were based in the West Midlands and 71 percent of those were based in the borough.
A Dudley Council spokesperson said: “Dudley Council works closely with many charities and providers, and we are always keen to learn more about the work that businesses such as Headz Up do in the local area.
“The organisation is benefiting from £19,000 of funding through the Pride in Place programme, which is being supported by Dudley Council.”
Cllr Wayne Little, Dudley cabinet member for children’s services added: “Throughout my work with Dudley Council, I have always advocated and championed for local organisations, charities and businesses, and as a council we take a Dudley First approach wherever it is practicable to do so.
“We are in regular contact with Headz up and have supported the CIC business with bids for central government funding, as well as inviting them to express interest in tender opportunities.”
Comments
Add a comment