After the Spending Review, a bold National Youth Strategy must follow
As the Government sets its financial direction in today’s Spending Review, it must now prioritise young people through a bold and sustainably funded National Youth Strategy, expected this autumn.
To be effective, the National Youth Strategy must go beyond capital investment. It must include sustained revenue funding and investment in the youth work workforce. This is essential to provide the specialist support for young people’s wellbeing and development, and to rebuild a sector that has suffered a £1.2 billion real-terms cut in local authority youth service funding since 2010.
”Following today’s Spending Review, the Government must now seize this moment to deliver an ambitious National Youth Strategy, one that recognises the vital role of youth work and the skilled professionals who deliver it. Youth workers meet young people where they are, helping them navigate challenges, build confidence, and unlock their potential. Youth work must be at the heart of this plan. The National Youth Strategy must offer a clear, measurable, and sustainably funded roadmap - empowering youth work professionals and services, and ensuring all young people have access to the support and opportunities they need to thrive.”
The NYA welcomes the £132.5 million from Dormant Assets - announced last week and referred to by the Chancellor today - to be invested in services and opportunities for young people. It is vital that this funding reaches grassroots youth work, alongside music, sport, and drama initiatives. We also welcome the announcement in today’s Spending Review that 350 communities will receive funding to invest in cohesion, regeneration, and public space, including in youth facilities.”
Leigh Middleton OBE CEO, National Youth Agency
