National Youth Strategy Youth Sector Organisations 2024-11-28
2024-11-28
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
No national youth strategy existed when Lisa Nandy entered the Department, and there has been a significant reduction in funding for youth services under the previous government.
What steps her Department is taking to incorporate information collected by youth sector organisations into the national youth strategy. When I chaired an all-party parliamentary group meeting with over 80 young people and organisations from across the sector, including Reaching Higher from my constituency, they highlighted the urgency of a national plan for young people but noted that 73% cuts to funding have led to 4,500 youth workers leaving the sector in the past decade.
The youth strategy is an opportunity to look afresh at the training, recruitment and retention of youth workers. My Department works with the National Youth Agency to fund training bursaries for individuals who may otherwise be excluded due to cost. We are aware that some of the people who make the best youth workers have had those experiences. We are very committed to working with her and her all-party parliamentary group to ensure that we get this right.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer acknowledged the issue but did not provide specific plans or commitments for how the national youth strategy will support youth workers and attract more people into the sector.
Working With Her And Her All-Party Parliamentary Group To Ensure That We Get This Right
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The previous government cut funding for youth services, resulting in significant job losses and service reductions. The national plan for young people is urgently needed.
When I chaired an all-party parliamentary group meeting with over 80 young people and organisations from across the sector, including Reaching Higher from my constituency, they highlighted the urgency of a national plan for young people but noted that 73% cuts to funding have led to 4,500 youth workers leaving the sector in the past decade. Can the Secretary of State outline how her national youth strategy will support youth workers and attract more people back into vital work?
The youth strategy is an opportunity to look afresh at the training, recruitment and retention of youth workers. My Department works with the National Youth Agency to fund training bursaries for individuals who may otherwise be excluded due to cost. We are aware that some of the people who make the best youth workers have had those experiences. We are very committed to working with her and her all-party parliamentary group to ensure that we get this right.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer acknowledged the issue but did not provide specific actions or commitments for supporting and attracting youth workers back into vital work.
Working With Her And Her All-Party Parliamentary Group To Ensure That We Get This Right
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Young Devon provides essential services for young people in Devon, but the increased employer national insurance contributions will result in significant costs for the charity.
Young Devon provides essential services for young people across Devon, including supported accommodation and mental health provision. The increased employers' national insurance contributions will cost Young Devon at least £90,000 just to stand still—meaning 100 fewer young people counselled and eight fewer beds offered. What conversations has the right hon. Lady had with the Chancellor to ensure that charities such as Young Devon do not have to reduce their valuable services as a result of the Budget?
The Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport has held roundtables with the sector to ensure we are providing the right help and support. The Government announced plans to raise the threshold at which businesses and charities pay contributions, so that half of charities—the smaller charities—will pay either less or the same as they currently do. Charities can also benefit from relief on employer contributions; worth around £6 billion a year.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not provide details about specific conversations with the Chancellor regarding support for Young Devon specifically, and instead gave general information about tax changes for charities.
Roundtables With The Sector To Ensure We Are Providing The Right Help And Support
Response accuracy