Havering Council is set to outsource its Youth Offending Services (YOS) as part of a merger with Barking and Dagenham Council.

The merger, which was announced last week, will see Barking and Dagenham YOS managing the Havering service on a contract basis and is expected to save vital funds for the council.

Cllr Paul Rochford, cabinet member for children and learning, said: “We want to give all our young people the right support to help them reach their full potential.

“This merger will ensure that we continue to work closely with troubled young people, making improvements to their service without causing any disruption.”

The merger of the two services began in October when a senior manager from Barking and Dagenham was seconded to Havering to manage the YOS.

From March 2013, it is planned that the Barking and Dagenham YOS will manage the Havering service on a contract basis with a full merger expected in March 2014.

No frontline staff are expected to lose their jobs as a result of the merger.

Consultation on the plans are set to take place.

Councillor Jeanne Alexander, cabinet member for crime, justice and communities at Barking and Dagenham Council, said: “These proposals are an exciting proposition for both boroughs and for the people we serve. The most important consideration in this plan must be the young people of both boroughs who need and deserve an excellent service.

“We believe that these proposals will deliver that.”