Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Youth Provision: Universal and Targeted Support

11 February 2025 · 15 other contributors · 4,781 words

Opened by Harpreet Uppal Lab Huddersfield

Responding minister: Stephanie Peacock

Children & FamiliesLocal Government

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Harpreet Uppal raised concerns about youth provision: universal and targeted support in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Fourteen years of Conservative Governments have led to a 1.2 billion real-terms reduction in local authority spending on youth services in England since 2010.
  • Kirklees council has experienced a 70% decrease in funding for youth services, leaving 47.76 per young person.
  • The Children's Society's "Good Childhood Report" indicates that UK 15-year-olds have the lowest life satisfaction among young people in 27 European countries based on PISA data from 2022.

Key requests to Government

The Government needs to address regional inequalities in funding and improve youth service provision. The Minister should clarify how many jobs will be created by the national youth strategy and integrate its values into housing and employment strategies as Centrepoint has requested.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Harpreet Uppal Lab Huddersfield

Fourteen years of Conservative Governments have resulted in a £1.2 billion real-terms reduction in local authority spending on youth services in England since 2010. Kirklees council, covering Huddersfield, has seen a 70% decrease in funding, leaving just £47.76 per young person spent on youth services. The Children’s Society’s “Good Childhood Report” shows that UK 15-year-olds have the lowest life satisfaction of young people across 27 European countries based on PISA data from 2022.

Other contributors (15)
  • Adam Jogee Lab Newcastle-under-Lyme

    The hon. Member called on Conservative-run Staffordshire county council to provide better youth services for young constituents in Newcastle-under-Lyme and Kidsgrove.

  • Afzal Khan Lab Manchester Rusholme

    The hon. Member agreed that investing in good-quality, trauma-informed youth provision for all is necessary to protect the mental wellbeing of young people and address regional inequalities.

  • Alice Macdonald Lab/Co-op Norwich North

    My hon. Friend pointed out the need for investment in both capital and revenue funding, highlighting a specific gap in service provision between 3 pm and 7 pm.

  • Ann Davies PC Caerfyrddin

    DrMz provides a safe space for diverse young people, and the young farmers’ clubs offer life skills used in public office. Adequate local authority funding is essential to safeguard these services.

  • Ben Maguire LD North Cornwall

    Asked the Minister to give way during her speech.

  • David Williams Lab Stoke-on-Trent North

    Notes that Stoke-on-Trent spends £10.76 per young person compared to £110 in inner London, advocating for tackling regional inequalities in youth service funding.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Commends Harpreet Uppal for bringing forward this debate, noting the role of church-based organisations in youth services.

  • John Slinger Lab Rugby

    Requested that the Minister give way during her speech.

  • Matt Rodda Lab Reading Central

    Complements the work of voluntary sector, local authorities, and faith communities in providing targeted support on issues such as mental health.

  • Natasha Irons Lab Croydon East

    My hon. Friend highlighted the need for statutory protection of youth services with benchmarks for provision due to a 73% decline in funding over recent years.

  • Paulette Hamilton Lab Birmingham Erdington

    My hon. Friend noted the high proportion of young people in Birmingham Erdington who have poor access to youth services and high knife crime statistics, calling for urgent resolution to the funding crisis.

  • Sarah Dyke LD Glastonbury and Somerton

    Highlights Somerset council spending only £13.47 per head on young people due to financial difficulties, stressing the need for addressing the broken local government funding model.

  • Siân Berry Green Brighton Pavilion

    Requests answers from the Minister regarding funding and jobs from the national youth strategy, integration issues, and inclusion of a youth chapter in housing and employment strategies.

  • Tahir Ali Lab Birmingham Hall Green and Moseley

    The hon. Member suggested creating a statutory youth service with ringfenced funding to ensure high-quality services for young people regardless of local council financial positions.

  • Tulip Siddiq Lab Hampstead and Highgate

    Supports Harpreet Uppal's speech by mentioning local organisations such as the redevelopment of Highgate Newtown community centre, advocating for developers to enhance community centres.

Government Response

Stephanie Peacock

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport

The Government recognises the transformative role youth services play in young people's lives. Local authority spending on youth has reduced by 73% since 2010, equating to over £1 billion less being spent each year. The Minister acknowledges the challenges faced and welcomes a more coordinated cross-Government approach. Announced the co-production of an ambitious new national youth strategy focusing on empowering young people to have a say in their own futures. Emphasised the importance of engaging with stakeholders, including young people themselves, through various means such as surveys and focus groups. Highlighted the establishment of advisory boards and ministerial groups to ensure cross-Government collaboration for supporting young people's access to opportunities.

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