Lib Dems propose making youth services statutory

In a motion being put forward by the party's spokesperson for youth and equality Lynne Featherstone at this weekend's spring conference, members will be asked to consider the paper Free to be Young, which sets out key pledges for young people. If passed, the paper will become Lib Dem party policy.

Featherstone said that while she expects some resistance to the plan to make youth services a statutory responsibility for local authorities, she believes it must be considered.

"For the Lib Dems it is almost a contradiction in terms to suggest putting something on a statutory footing," she said. "But youth services have just been decimated over the years so we have to draw a ring around them."

The paper, drawn up by the party's youth policy working group, also includes plans for a cross-departmental committee to ensure a joined up approach to youth issues in government.

Linda Jack, chair of the working group, said: "When you look at the local level you have children's trusts and a drive towards integrated working. But this doesn't extend to government."

In a separate move, the staffing side of the Joint Negotiating Committee for Youth and Community Workers, which negotiates pay and conditions for youth workers, has called for the protection of youth work in a joint statement, the first of its kind since 1989.

The group of trade unions has raised fears about the levels of cuts being faced.