Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Youth Services: Birmingham Perry Bar

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 2 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ayoub Khan expressed concern over the loss of youth workers and the impact on youth services in Birmingham Perry Barr.
  • The Minister acknowledged the severe impact of 73% cuts to youth provision under the previous government.
  • Ian Sollom highlighted the loneliness felt by young people, linking it to the closure of youth centres and libraries.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Ayoub Khan Ind Birmingham Perry Barr
Community Security Children & Families
Context

The constituency has seen significant cuts to youth provision and lost out on Pride in Place funding, affecting local youth centres.

Question

I know that I would not be in this House—the mother of all democracies—and I would certainly not be a barrister, if I had not benefited from youth centres in my ward of Aston. We have lost somewhere in the region of 50 youth workers in Birmingham and my constituency lost out on the Pride in Place funding, which was £20 million that we could have benefited from. Given the importance of youth centres, the loss of Oakland youth centre and the risk of closure of Lozells Recreation Group, will the Secretary of State meet me and representatives of youth clubs in my constituency to see how we can ensure that that service remains in my area?

Answer from Lisa Nandy

I absolutely share the hon. Member's assessment about the vital role of youth provision and the devastating impact that the 73% cuts to youth provision under the last Government made to the life chances of young people. The Sport Minister will be more than happy to meet him to discuss that issue.

Answered
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Q2 Ayoub Khan Ind Birmingham Perry Barr
Community Security Children & Families
Context

The constituency has faced significant cuts to youth provision and lost out on Pride in Place funding.

Question

I know that I would not be in this House—the mother of all democracies—and I would certainly not be a barrister, if I had not benefited from youth centres in my ward of Aston. We have lost somewhere in the region of 50 youth workers in Birmingham and my constituency lost out on the Pride in Place funding, which was £20 million that we could have benefited from. Given the importance of youth centres, the loss of Oakland youth centre and the risk of closure of Lozells Recreation Group, will the Secretary of State meet me and representatives of youth clubs in my constituency to see how we can ensure that that service remains in my area?

Answer from Lisa Nandy

I absolutely share the hon. Member's assessment about the vital role of youth provision and the devastating impact that the 73% cuts to youth provision under the last Government made to the life chances of young people. The Sport Minister will be more than happy to meet him to discuss that issue.

Answered
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Q3 Ian Sollom Lib Dem St Neots and Mid Cambridgeshire
Community Security Children & Families
Context

According to ONS, 3.8 million people report feeling lonely, with young people consistently among the loneliest groups.

Question

According to the Office for National Statistics, 3.8 million people report feeling lonely, with young people consistently among the loneliest groups. Is it any wonder when we have seen youth centres shuttered and libraries boarded up, and the very places that bring people together hollowed out? The Liberal Democrats have a plan to change this by creating a new wave of third spaces centred around something simple but incredibly powerful: shared hobbies. We want to bring people with shared interests together, creating places where they can thrive. What is the Minister doing to tackle loneliness through rebuilding community life and shared experiences? Will she seriously consider our proposals for a bold new wave of hobby hubs to help restore the social fabric of our communities?

Answer from Lisa Nandy

I am sure, Mr Speaker, that the people of Birmingham Perry Barr are clamouring for a hobby hub. In that spirit, I will address the important point that the hon. Member makes. Our national youth strategy is the first time we have put young people in the driving seat of their own lives. We handed over money and power to a generation of young people who told us that they need three things: somewhere to go, something to do and someone who cares. That is why we are investing in the next generation of youth centres and youth workers.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Liberal Democrats' proposals for hobby hubs were not directly addressed

How: I Am Sure, Mr Speaker, That The People Of Birmingham Perry Barr Are Clamouring For A Hobby Hub.

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