Youth Funding Cuts
Youth Funding Cuts

Thank you for contacting me about youth service funding. I absolutely agree with your assessment that the current Government has decimated the already underfunded youth services both in Sheffield and across the UK.

Today’s youth face new challenges, from rising levels of knife crime, mental ill health, and chronic levels of loneliness.

Services that can meet the complex challenges faced by young people today are vital, and these services must nurture and empower young people to improve their own lives. Especially in light of the impact of COVID-19 and the lockdowns it has produced.

Youth centres provide safe spaces in which to learn, develop trusted relationships, build friendships and develop interpersonal skills. They should be at the heart of our communities.

But sadly, cuts in central government funding have resulted in a 73% reduction in local authorities’ spending on youth services in England between 2010/11 and 2019/20. After a decade of austerity, many parts of our country now have no recognisable youth services at all and too many young people cannot access the advice, guidance and support that youth workers once provided.

I will certainly hold the Government to account on this issue. With young people facing immense uncertainty and insecurity at the present time, youth services and charities provide a vital lifeline across the country. It is therefore crucial that this funding is delivered as soon as possible.

Therefore I will write to the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport to directly pose your questions and concerns. I will be back in touch with you once I have received a response from the Government.

Thank you once again for contacting me about this important matter. I can assure you I will continue to press for young people to urgently be given the support they need.

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