Labour: Tory cuts to local government will see spending on youth services more than halved

“Youth workers are the unsung heroes of our communities, helping young people to develop the skills and confidence they need to build a positive future.

However, this analysis demonstrates how this Tory Government’s ideologically driven cuts on local authorities have devastated the sector at a time when they are needed more than ever.

Once again we see how the Conservatives treat young people as a second thought. A Labour Government will ensure a Minister for Youth Affairs, who would coordinate youth policy and practice across departments, and be an advocate for young people in government.”

Ends

Notes to editors

·       Analysis by the House of Common Library commissioned by Labour shows that under current budget plans £422m will have been cut from spending on youth services between 2011/12 and 2017/18.

·       Under the Conservatives, over 600 youth centres have closed, over 3,500 youth work jobs have gone and 140,000 places for young people have been cut (Unison, A future at risk: Cuts in youth services, 12 August 2016, https://www.unison.org.uk/content/uploads/2016/08/23996.pdf). 

·       Labour is supporting Youth Work Week which will be held from 6-12 November 2017. It provides an opportunity for youth organisations, youth workers and young people to celebrate their achievements and the impact of their work. 

·       Hundreds of events are taking place at youth work organisations across England, from youth voice events to celebrating youth work. British Youth Council and UK Youth are running high profile national campaigns on youth services. 

·       Cat Smith MP and Choose Youth will be hosting a reception in Parliament in support of rebuilding the youth service on 6 November.