COUNCILS in the region are spending less than a £1 per week providing vital services to youngsters, according to figures released yesterday.
The GMB union has condemned some local authorities for the lack of funding for youth clubs and other community activities.
However, figures show that Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council has topped the Northern region table, spending £122.94 per teenager, putting it well above the £91.65 national average.
At the other end of the scale, Cumbria ranked bottom of the Northern region after spending only £49.90 on youth services.
Colin Smith, GMB organiser in public services, said: "We will need to invest in our youth if we want to see an end to the binge drinking culture that grows in the absence of these clubs."
Councillor Steve Kay, Redcar and Cleveland cabinet member for education, said: "We have always been committed to providing vital community activities for youngsters."
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