SLASHING the youth budget by 75 per cent could have a negative impact on young people, Tottenham MP David Lammy has said in his call for Haringey Council to review the decision.

The Labour politician, who prides himself on being an "unshakeable supporter" of young people, said the council's decision to cut £1.5million of funding to services for young people could not have come at a worse time after central Government axed Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA) and the Future Jobs Fund.

The Labour initiatives helped support young people financially while at sxith form and college and helped them find paid work placements.

He expressed sympathy for councillors who have been asked to make savings worth of £41million after suffering a 20 per cent cut to their own budget from central Government but said he could not support their decision.

In a letter to council leader Claire Kober, Mr Lammy wrote: "I agree with the campaign’s concerns that the current proposals may lead to an uneven distribution of youth services throughout the borough, and may intensify postcode rivalries between gangs."

He added: "The council must fight to keep frontline services for young people and vulnerable adults. I hope you can understand that I cannot support a cut to the service of 75 per cent and I ask that you and your colleagues review and reconsider your decision."

Campaigner Matt Green said: "We hope Haringey Council take on board Mr Lammy's concerns and conduct a review. We wish to be part of this review and wait to see if it is open and transparent."

He added: "They can start by putting a halt on the progress they have already made in implementing their cuts with the deletion of youth workers' jobs, which already commenced before the full council meeting on February 1."