Asked by: Lord Mohammed of Tinsley (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:
To ask His Majesty's Government what measures are being taken to ensure grassroots youth organisations receive adequate funding and support to prevent closures and job losses in the sector.
Answered by Baroness Twycross - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
In a written statement on 15 May 2025, the Secretary of State announced an investment of over £145 million in 2025/26 in youth programmes, to provide stability to the youth sector as we transition to a new National Youth Strategy, which includes funding for grassroots youth organisations. Further details on individual programmes will be shared in due course.
Additionally, on 2nd June we announced £132.5 million of Dormant Assets Funding will be allocated to support the provision of services, facilities or opportunities to meet the needs of young people. This will increase disadvantaged young people’s access to enrichment opportunities in the arts, culture, sports and wider youth services, aimed at improving wellbeing and employability.
Following the recent spending review, future funding commitments will be dependent on the Business Planning process.
Asked by: Lord Mohammed of Tinsley (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:
To ask His Majesty's Government how the remaining £79.4 million of the previously allocated Youth Investment Fund is being utilised; and what criteria are being used to distribute these funds effectively.
Answered by Baroness Twycross - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
In a written statement on 15 May 2025, the Secretary of State announced an investment of over £145 million in 2025/26 in youth programmes, to provide stability to the youth sector as we transition to a new National Youth Strategy.
The package of funding includes £79.4 million of the reprofiled Youth Investment Fund. The allocation of £59.3 million of capital and £20.1 million of revenue funding will ensure the successful delivery of new and refurbished youth facilities scheduled for completion in 2025/26. This includes the pipeline of 25 Modern Methods of Construction projects.
The Youth Investment Fund is a targeted fund aimed at youth services in some of the less advantaged areas of England. The eligible areas were identified and ranked using a combination of publicly available data for youth need and low provision.