Cat Smith comments on the National Youth Agency’s report finding that in one in four youth charities will not be able to meet running costs

Cat Smith MP, Shadow Minister for Young People, commenting on the National Youth Agency’s report finding that in one in four youth charities will not be able to meet their running costs, in the run up to Christmas, said:

“Youth services are a vital lifeline, particularly at this time of crisis when young people are more isolated than ever.

“But youth charities are at breaking point, with many not expecting to make it past Christmas.

“Youth services were already under severe pressure before the pandemic because of Tory cuts. This Government is failing a generation of young people."

Ends

Notes to Editors

• Analysis by Labour shows spending on youth services has reduced by £1 billion (73 per cent) since 2010

Source: Labour Party analysis of government spending figures published by the Department for Education (2019-2020).

DfE, section 251 schools budget data submitted by local authorities, split by local authority and budget line, https://www.gov.uk/guidance/section-251-2019-to-2020