Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what discussions she had with Cabinet colleagues on increasing the level of youth service provision in formulating the Budget 2023.

The government recognises the vital role that youth services and activities play in improving the life chances and wellbeing of young people and has committed to a National Youth Guarantee: that by 2025, every young person will have access to regular clubs and activities, adventures away from home and opportunities to volunteer. This is supported by a three-year investment of over £500 million in youth services.

Local Authorities have a statutory duty to allocate funding to youth services in line with local need. This is funded from the Local Government settlement, which is anticipated to be almost £60 billion next year (FY 23/24). DCMS is committed to working with Youth Sector organisations and Local Authorities to complete the review of the Local Authority Statutory Duty Guidance for Youth Services.