NCS funding sparks youth concerns

The concern was raised at a British Youth Council (BYC) event in London this month, where around 100 young people were consul­ted on the government’s flagship youth programme.

The coalition hopes around 10,000 16-year-olds will attend a seven- to eight-week programme of summer residentials next year and deliver social action projects in their communities. But ministers have recently reduced funding to key youth programmes such as the Youth Capital Fund, which paid for facilities chosen by young people. The ringfence has also been removed from the Youth Opportunity Fund, which paid for local projects developed by young people.

"Young people, especially local youth council representatives, are worried about future funding for volunteering and youth empowerment services," said BYC chair Alex Delaney. "While they see the appeal of the [National Citizen Service] initiative they are worried that other similar schemes may be cut back."

The young people consulted also identified summer jobs and the limited age requirement of the NCS as possible barriers for participating. But they thought the scheme would help them socialise with new people and give something back to the community.

The BYC is launching a wider consultation next month to give young people a chance to have a say on issues including the big society and the future of youth participation services.