Cllr Paul Rochford

Havering’s cabinet has agreed a phased merger of its youth offending team with Barking and Dagenham.

The cabinet was told there will be a joint board with Barking and Dagenham.

A manager has been seconded to work with the Havering team since last October, and the council expects the two services to be fully merged by March 2014. No staff will be lost.

During the meeting Cllr Keith Darvill said: “It would be wise to consult with the volunteers.”

Cllr Paul Rochford, cabinet member for children and learning, said: “We might not have consulted with the youth groups but we are comfortable with this.”

He added after the meeting: “It’s important that we do everything we can to support young people, especially those who are troubled and involved in offending.

“This phased merger will allow us to work closely with them, improving their service without any disruption.”