“We are behind the LGA’s call for investment in local authority-funded youth services. Austerity cuts for more than a decade has resulted in a real terms loss of £1 billion from Council spending on youth services, which has resulted in the loss of over 1000 youth centres.
The data provided through our National Youth Sector Census and Workforce Survey puts into stark relief the fact that the voluntary sector is doing the lion’s share of delivery, with scant finances and shrinking reserves. Whilst Local Authorities recognise the value of youth work to promote the health and wellbeing and educational outcomes of young people, many are facing almost impossible funding choices.
Despite this, youth workers can be found integrated in teams alongside social workers and with schools and, of course, supporting young people at risk of gangs and youth
Leigh Middleton OBE
crime, changing the trajectory of their lives in astounding ways. The support we provide to Councils to fulfil their Statutory Duty to provide a local youth work offer which responds to local needs can only go so far; it is imperative that the necessary investment is made to create the skilled roles and revenue streams to rebuild the sector and create parity of access across the country.
Whilst we welcome the government’s commitment to co-creating a National Youth Strategy, government departments need to take a joined-up approach to policy, develop the right infrastructures and funding models, ensure parity of youth work provision across the country, and attract a pipeline of trained professionals to meet young people’s needs.”
– Leigh Middleton OBE, NYA CEO
The National Youth Sector Census
The National Youth Work Census collates data regarding the state of youth work in England which help us inform policy and funding decisions.
Everyone who works in the youth sector needs to get on board to help us make a case for more investment in youth services.
