Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Universal Youth Services

Thursday 26 February 2026 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Maya Ellis raised concerns about the adequacy of universal youth services in rural areas.
  • The MinisterMaya Ellis
  • Joe Robertson

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Maya Ellis Lab Ribble Valley
Education Employment Benefits & Welfare
Context

The MP is concerned about the adequacy of universal youth services, particularly in rural areas where young people face challenges accessing support due to distance from city-centre hubs and family constraints.

Question

I am concerned about the adequacy of universal youth services. In my constituency, small communities far from city centres miss out on support. Families may be just managing but lack time for activities due to dual-career households and long hours. This country has an inequality problem but also a productivity issue. I have had conversations with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on reducing unemployment rates by unlocking entrepreneurship, ambition, and opportunity for young people. How will we ensure that all young people, not just those most in need, receive third spaces for ideas and creativity?

Answer from Lisa Nandy

I am keen to work with my hon. Friend to ensure funding for her constituency's needs. We are working closely with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and Education to hang on to young people from early age through adulthood, recognising rural challenges by grassroots-led provision.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The exact mechanism or specific commitments related to third spaces for creativity were not addressed.

How: Working Closely With Other Departments

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Q2 Maya Ellis Lab Ribble Valley
Economy Employment Children & Families
Context

The MP discusses the need for third spaces for creativity, mentioning challenges such as long commuting distances and family time constraints in rural areas.

Question

I welcome our new youth strategy but note that young people miss out on support due to distance from city centres. Dual-career families leave little time for activities. We have an inequality and productivity problem. Conversations with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions aim to reduce unemployment rates by unlocking entrepreneurship, ambition, and opportunity for young people. How will we ensure third spaces for creativity are provided for all youth, including those in rural areas?

Answer from Lisa Nandy

I am keen to work with my hon. Friend on funding her constituency's needs by grassroots-led provision without imposing settlements that communities do not need.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific mechanism or commitment for third spaces was avoided.

How: Working Closely, Grassroots-Led Provision

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Q3 Joe Robertson Con Isle of Wight East
Education Employment
Context

The MP criticises the government for rising youth unemployment, stating that young people are struggling to find jobs under current policies.

Question

While the Secretary of State talks about support for youth services, it offers little consolation to young people who cannot get a job due to increased youth unemployment under this Government. Will she relay this message to the Chancellor?

Answer from Lisa Nandy

This generation of young people was let down by the Conservative Party for many years, but we are now back in control and ensuring that 1 million young NEETs have guaranteed work, education or training as a right.

Not addressed: The question about relaying concerns to the Chancellor was not addressed.

How: Historical Critique, Mentioning Budget Measures

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