Your article “Record youth unemployment, but council to scrap Connexions” (18 February) is misleading. Lewisham has an outstanding record in reducing the number of 16 to 19-year-olds not in employment, education or training (Neet). Only 4.6 per cent of our young people are Neet, compared with a national average of 6.6 per cent.

In the light of funding cuts and the move to an all-age careers service, our plan is to improve on these figures by focusing on young people who need help most. Schools and colleges in Lewisham are well placed to offer information and guidance to students, as envisaged by the new Education Bill.

Councillor Helen Klier, Cabinet member for children and young people, London Borough of Lewisham.