House of Commons · Westminster Hall
19 September 2023 · 4 other contributors · 4,362 words
Opened by Caroline Dinenage Con Gosport
Responding minister: Stuart Andrew
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Caroline Dinenage raised concerns about youth programmes and girlguiding in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
I ask the Minister what his Department is doing to provide more opportunities for young people, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to get out and do something fun and adventurous. I want to know how the Government can help Girlguiding maintain its important capacity for outdoor activities across the UK at a low cost.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
I am concerned about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on young people's mental health, with NHS figures showing a rise of almost 50% in children seeking help for their mental health. I worry that Girlguiding's proposed closure of all five outdoor activity centres and the full shutdown of British Girlguiding Overseas will limit opportunities for girls to learn life skills and build friendships.
Highlights that Girlguiding members are worried about future generations missing out on opportunities such as those provided by Foxlease, expressing concern over a lack of consultation with young members regarding decision-making. I ask the Minister for any connection between his Department and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities regarding holiday lets in national parks. There is a fear that properties might become luxury lodges, restricting young people's access to these sites.
Commends the hon. Lady for highlighting the importance of organisations such as Girlguiding and Scouts, which positively influence children's mental health by building self-confidence and self-worth. Discussed the need for better youth services and the impact of Girlguiding's decision to close its activity centres and cease overseas operations.
Expresses concern over the financial mismanagement at the headquarters of Girlguiding, including a failed hotel venture owing nearly £2.8 million in unpaid rent, potentially leading to the closure of training and activity centres like Foxlease. I am concerned that millions of pounds have been wasted on objectives not aligned with Girlguiding's mission, and there is a lack of internal democratic accountability. The Charity Commission should intervene to limit the damage. Foxlease was donated 101 years ago for the use of young people and not for commercial development. The response to financial issues should have been more focused on supporting existing centres rather than investing in property ventures.
Expressed disappointment over Girlguiding's lack of consultation regarding their decisions and asked for Government support in maintaining Girlguiding units on British military bases abroad.
Government Response
Stuart AndrewAcknowledged the importance of youth services provided by organisations like Girlguiding, highlighted that Girlguiding is an independent organisation with fiscal responsibility to secure its future. Discussed the decision to sell five activity centres and cease overseas operations due to capital investment requirements and ongoing running costs. Mentioned that £10 million from the sale will be invested in supporting the future of Girlguiding and its members. Noted the Government's commitment to ensure all young people have access to out-of-school activities by 2025 through various initiatives such as the National Youth Guarantee, investment in youth facilities, expansion of the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme, and support for uniformed youth organisations to recruit volunteers.