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National Youth Strategy
12 November 2024
Lead MP
Lisa Nandy
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
NHS
Other Contributors: 19
At a Glance
Lisa Nandy raised concerns about national youth strategy in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
The challenges facing young people today are profound, as they lived through a pandemic, experienced significant social media pressures, and face severe mental health issues. Despite these challenges, this generation is ambitious for themselves, their families, and their communities. The Minister announced the launch of a new national youth strategy involving extensive consultations led by young people across the UK to address these issues effectively. She highlighted the winding down of the National Citizen Service programme due to its limited scope in today's world but acknowledged its role from 2011 to 2023, supporting over a million young people and building their confidence. The strategy aims to empower local leaders and communities with more funding for youth services, including £85m capital funding allocation in the next financial year. Additionally, she committed to investing significantly in youth workers and facilities across various sectors such as sports, arts, and financial inclusion programmes.
Stuart Andrew
Con
Daventry
Question
The MP questioned the fate of incomplete youth facilities projects and sports programmes under the new strategy and inquired about the potential impact on young people. He also asked about the immediate measures to address the gap created by ending the National Citizen Service programme.
Minister reply
The Minister responded that her Department will allocate over £85 million for youth spaces, including a better youth spaces fund worth at least £26 million for renovation and new equipment purchases. She confirmed the completion of ongoing projects under the youth investment fund but did not provide specific details on incomplete sports programmes or immediate measures to fill the gap left by ending the NCS.
Stuart Andrew
Con
Daventry
Question
The MP welcomed the focus on youth but questioned the scrapping of National Citizen Service, highlighting its significant impact and cross-party support. He also asked about funding for sports facilities and cadet programmes.
Minister reply
The Minister thanked the right hon. Gentleman for his constructive challenge and acknowledged previous government achievements. She confirmed ongoing investment in grassroots sports and committed to ensuring no gap is left after scrapping NCS, with funds being reallocated to other youth organisations. The Minister emphasised working closely with the NCS Trust to manage a proper closure without leaving debts.
Natasha Irons
Lab
Croydon East
Question
The MP welcomed the commitment to bring youth services together but questioned how the Government would work with local groups such as Croydon Youth Consortium that have established best practices.
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledged the importance of local and regional level empowerment, announcing funding for the local youth transformation fund. She committed to listening to young people's experiences across different areas and ensuring they play a full part in government at both national and local levels.
Max Wilkinson
Lib Dem
Cheltenham
Question
Welcomes the national youth strategy announcement and asks about the role of organisations like Cheltenham Festivals in supporting young people. Also calls for a Cabinet Minister dedicated to children and young people, and questions whether future initiatives will fall under the current Department or another one.
Minister reply
Meets with Supertato at Downing Street; agrees that arts, culture, and sport are vital parts of youth life, committing to review the curriculum. Mentions a Cabinet Minister for children (the Prime Minister) who oversees all relevant departments.
Clive Efford
Lab
Eltham and Chislehurst
Question
As a long-time youth worker, welcomes funding but asks that application processes be streamlined to avoid excluding smaller organisations.
Minister reply
Agrees and commits to working with local bodies to simplify access to funds.
Gosport
Question
Appreciates the statement but expresses concern about the NCS's closure timeline, potential gaps in provision, and questions costs of winding down the programme.
Minister reply
Intends to honour current funding until March 2025; working on cost implications with NCS board. Considers private financing, but cautious due to past closures.
Christopher Vince
Lab Co-op
Harlow
Question
Welcomes the statement and asks how young people who are often forgotten or left behind will be heard.
Minister reply
Acknowledges importance of hearing diverse youth voices, including young carers, through a new advisory group.
Jessica Brown-Fuller
Lib Dem
Chichester
Question
Welcomes the widening of Creative Careers programme and asks for reforms to the English Baccalaureate.
Minister reply
Promises an ongoing curriculum review, with the Education Secretary already working on it.
Andy McDonald
Lab
Middlesbrough and Thornaby East
Question
Thanked the Minister for her statement, highlighting the importance of youth services and local authorities' role. Asked about additional statutory responsibilities for local authorities and funding needed to deliver essential services.
Minister reply
Acknowledged Andy McDonald's expertise in this area and highlighted frustration with more responsibilities placed on local authorities without proper support and funding. Announced a local youth transformation fund and emphasised the importance of ensuring young people are at the heart of the youth offer.
Mark Pritchard
Con
The Wrekin
Question
Asked about the organisations that will not receive funding due to Government cuts, particularly to cadet forces. Suggested putting a member from uniformed groups on the advisory board.
Minister reply
Confirmed intention to honour existing funding commitments and increase some funding streams for uniformed groups. Agreed to consider Mark Pritchard's suggestion of including a member from uniformed youth organisations on the advisory board.
Lauren Sullivan
Lab
Gravesham
Question
Asked about addressing the issue of short-term youth contracts and supporting youth workers in accessing qualifications to thrive.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the relevance of the problem, noting its impact on valuable youth work. Stated that the relationship between a youth worker and a young person is crucial and will be addressed through consultation with young people.
Iqbal Mohamed
Ind
Dewsbury and Batley
Question
Welcomed the Secretary of State's statement and expressed concerns about the closure of Dewsbury sports centre due to repair costs. Asked for support in reopening the facility.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the council's situation and committed to working with Iqbal Mohamed's council to address the challenges faced by local authorities due to reduced funding settlements.
Oliver Ryan
Ind
Burnley
Question
Expressed appreciation for the statement, highlighting the importance of youth organisations in Burnley. Asked about consideration for schemes in Burnley and requested a meeting.
Minister reply
Praised the work done by local youth organisations such as the Burnley Boys and Girls Club. Committed to working with Oliver Ryan on making a youth zone a reality in Burnley.
Damian Hinds
Con
East Hampshire
Question
Suggested using school facilities more effectively for young people's activities, including sports and uniformed groups.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the importance of ensuring that existing facilities are fully utilised. Emphasised the need to provide spaces that belong to young people where they feel comfortable and can contribute actively.
Siân Berry
Green
Brighton Pavilion
Question
I give the Secretary of State my sincere and heartfelt thanks for the focus of her statement. I have worked with the youth sector to highlight the severe loss of professional youth worker jobs that occurred under austerity. Serious revenue funding is needed to fill this chasm, so can she give an estimate of the number of new permanent youth worker posts that revenue funding will create under these plans?
Minister reply
I will have to write to the hon. Lady on that point, but I echo what she says. As I said in my statement, buildings are of no use without the army of adults who work with children and young people. Those relationships are hard-fought and that trust is hard-won, and it is something we are determined to protect.
Christchurch
Question
I thank the right hon. Lady for her generous comments about the Thatcher Government’s 1989 Children Act, and for saying that she will dedicate £100 million to youth outcomes over the next four years. Does she therefore share my concern, which I am sure may resonate with many young people, that we now know that more than £100 million has been wasted on the ludicrous High Speed 2 bat tunnel? Does that not show the importance of this House taking control of spending priorities in order to prevent such waste in the future?
Minister reply
I am not sure whether that will form the centrepiece of what young people tell us in the consultation, but I reassure the hon. Gentleman that this Government take value for money very seriously. Although I would not suggest for a moment that there was not huge value in the National Citizen Service, one reason for today’s difficult decision is that far too much youth-focused spending across Government is too fragmented and not aligned with the challenges this generation faces.
Shockat Adam
Ind
Leicester South
Question
I, too, extend my thanks to the Secretary of State for her statement and the promise of investment in this vital area. One of the greatest things about the NCS, according to my children, is the time spent outdoors. I am sure she will agree that outdoor play areas are vital not only for physical wellbeing but for mental wellbeing. Leicester South has some great outdoor play areas and adventure playgrounds, including Highfields and St Andrews. Unfortunately, both are under threat of closure due to a lack of funding. Does the Secretary of State agree that outdoor play areas and adventure playgrounds are vital for our children’s wellbeing? What specific investment will there be for adventure playgrounds? Will she talk to her colleagues to ensure that any new housing projects make provision for outdoor play areas?
Minister reply
Many years ago, the Government had a national play strategy, which my hon. Friend the Member for Scunthorpe (Sir Nicholas Dakin) will probably remember. Since then, there has been a lack of focus on the opportunities for children to play.
I will take away the hon. Gentleman’s point on housing and discuss it with my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government. My Department has a specific funding stream for “adventures away from home,” which will be maintained. I will also look for other funding sources that the hon. Gentleman and his constituents may be able to access to ensure that every child in Leicester has the outdoor play experiences and opportunities they deserve.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
I welcome the Minister’s statement—there is no one in the Chamber who is not encouraged by what she has said. She will know that there is great disappointment that youth services did not appear to be prioritised in the Budget. Early intervention allows children to go on to access training and apprenticeships, directing them away from criminal influences and gang membership. It gives them the confidence and self-assurance to combat mental health issues too. Is today’s statement an indication that youth investment is a priority and that community groups will not have to scrabble at the funding table? Will there be assistance for community groups to access finance and help?
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman will know that the Government inherited a disastrous economic situation, and not only because of how the economy had been mismanaged, but because of the lack of investment in public services over a long period of time. This has meant that so many local councils have focused on their statutory responsibilities, which has deeply affected youth services. However, the Budget made a number of announcements, including my Department’s creative careers programme. There are fast-growing areas of the economy in every nation and region, and we are determined that not only will those communities benefit from good jobs, but young people in those communities will have the opportunity to get those jobs.
Shadow Comment
Stuart Andrew
Shadow Comment
The Shadow Minister welcomed the Government's focus on young people but criticised the decision to wind down the National Citizen Service programme despite its proven success and cross-party support. He highlighted previous government initiatives, such as allocating £500 million for the national youth guarantee and developing sports facilities across England. The shadow minister questioned the fate of uncompleted projects and raised concerns over cuts to cadet funding. He urged the Secretary of State to explain the immediate actions planned to fill the gap left by scrapping the NCS and asked how the £50m in savings would be utilised or if it was a loss for the sector. Finally, he called for more transparency regarding the distribution of dormant assets funds.
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