LGA responds to YMCA report on youth services

“While the Government’s recent promise of £500 million investment in youth services is a step in the right direction, this report supports our call for an ambitious national strategy to support young people and the need for more sustainable, long-term investment.

“Services such as youth centres and youth work make a real difference to young people’s lives and councils are doing all they can to protect them.

“Rising demand and fewer resources has made it increasingly difficult for councils to prioritise these preventative services, with funding being diverted to protect children who are at immediate risk of harm.

“It is important that services supporting young people, children and families are fully funded and we want to work with government to ensure this is recognised in the upcoming Budget.”