“We are pleased that the Government’s strategy has placed youth services back on the agenda, and we look forward to working with them on the review of youth services guidance in light of the increasingly challenging context that councils are working in."
Cllr Roy Perry, Vice Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Children and Young People Board, said:
“Local government is committed to giving young people the best start in life.
“We are pleased that the Government’s strategy has placed youth services back on the agenda, and we look forward to working with them on the review of youth services guidance in light of the increasingly challenging context that councils are working in. Children’s services face a £3 billion funding gap by 2025. Government must address this gap if councils are to provide the services young people truly need.
“The current system for getting people into work is inefficient and ineffective, with 20 different funding streams managed by eight different government departments and agencies. The funding to support young people from black and minority ethnic groups with barriers into employment will help to provide valuable evidence on what works but we remain clear that funding and control over all national skills and employment schemes needs to be devolved to local areas to better meets the needs of residents and employers.
“Young people deserve to enjoy their lives, reach their full potential and make a good transition to adulthood. Every young person is unique and each area has its own challenges, so it is critical that any new provision is locally designed, commissioned and tailored based on local needs and expertise.”