Dudley Council has rejected assertions that it allocates excessive funding to children’s services providers outside the borough, insisting that most resources are directed to local organisations.
Youth workers involved with a forthcoming centre in Dudley town centre, known as The Forge in the Churchill Centre, have expressed concerns that more support could be given to community groups within the borough.
Adam Bradley, who leads Headz Up-a non-profit community interest company offering sport and lifestyle coaching-and James Bragg, director of Strike Youth CIC, are scheduled to open The Forge in the coming weeks. They argue that funding too often goes to organisations based beyond the borough.
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Mr Bradley stated: “Services are brought in, parachuted in, it should not be happening. In Dudley we have organisations that are capable but don’t ever get funding.”
Mr Bragg added: “We need to recognise who is doing what; too many large organisations receive significant funding but the impact on the ground is minimal because the money is absorbed by administrative costs. They should come out and see what is happening on their doorstep.”
In response, Dudley Council highlighted that, for the 2025/26 financial year, 97 per cent of its delivery partners operate within the West Midlands, and 71 per cent are based within the Dudley borough itself.
A council spokesperson remarked: “Dudley Council works closely with many charities and providers and remains eager to understand better the work organisations like Headz Up perform locally. This CIC is currently receiving £19,000 in funding through the Pride in Place programme, supported by the council.”
Councillor Wayne Little, cabinet member for children’s services, added: “I have consistently advocated for local organisations, charities, and businesses, with the council adopting a ‘Dudley First’ approach wherever feasible. We maintain regular communication with Headz Up, assisting them with applications for central government grants and inviting them to participate in tender opportunities.”