Budget 2015: Osborne announces drive to create more cadet units in schools

Delivering the Summer Budget 2015 today in the house of commons, Osborne said the number of cadet units will be expanded to 500, with schools in “less affluent” areas being prioritised.

He told parliament that the £50m expansion would be paid for through a levy on banks.

“Banks make a key contribution to our economy, but also need to make a fair contribution,” he said.

The move is the latest attempt by government to support cadet units in schools.

Last year the coalition government launched a £1m bursary scheme as part of a bid to open 100 new cadet units in state schools by 2015, paid for by Libor fines.

Martin Coles, chief executive at Sea Cadets, said his organisation has been working with the government as part of the cadet expansion programme for the past two years.

"The news that the government is increasing support for this work is evidence of the value investing in young people brings, and we are keen to see even more schools and local cadet units working together in their communities to give young people a strong start in life so that they can weather the challenges they face as young adults.”

"We’ve seen a significant impact on young people through our work, helping them to gain life skills and confidence and in some cases it’s had a transformative effect in schools on attendance and behaviour."

However Jon Boagey, deputy chief executive of the National Youth Agency said some of the money should have been invested into youth work.

“Cadet units can play a valuable role in encouraging confidence and independence in young people, what’s often referred to as ‘character education’,” he said.

“Uniform apart, much of this type of activity with young people shares similarities with youth work.

“With £50m being made available by government it’s a real missed opportunity not to have invested some of it in good quality youth work which delivers ‘character’ and a whole lot more besides for young people."