According to latest figures from YMCA England and Wales, central government funding for youth services has reduced by 60% since 2010.
The election comes just months after the British Youth Council closed citing “financial difficulties”.
CYP Now examines key manifesto pledges linked to youth work and what these could mean for policy and practice.
Conservative Party
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Introduce mandatory National Service for all 18-year-olds that offers young people the option of 25 days a year volunteering in their community, in roles such as a special constable or NHS first responder, or a year-long full-time paid placement in the armed forces or cyber defence. This will be backed by £2.5 billion in the final year of the parliament funded by “closing university courses in England with the worst outcomes for their students” and supported by a new National Service Act.
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Further support the National Citizen Service to help young people "develop the skills they need to thrive".
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Extend the £2 bus fare cap for the entirety of the next parliament.
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Continue to support programmes that encourage disadvantaged children and young people to access green spaces.
Labour Party
- Invest £95mn in a new Young Futures programme, with a network of hubs reaching every community. According to the manifesto, "these hubs will have youth workers, mental health support workers, and careers advisers on hand to support young people’s mental health and avoid them being drawn into crime".
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Create local prevention partnerships to identify young people who could be drawn into violence and intervene with youth workers and mentors in A&E units and Pupil Referral Units, funded by full recovery of the cost of firearm licensing.
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Give 16- and 17-year-olds the right to vote.
Liberal Democrats
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Invest in more addiction services and support for drug users, including specialist youth support services.
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Address the underfunding and neglect of youth services through investment in youth services which are "genuinely engaging and reach more young people".
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Appoint a cabinet minister for children and young people.
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Give 16- and 17-year-olds the right to vote.
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Make public transport more affordable by extending half-fares on buses, trams and trains to 18-year-olds.
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Create a ‘Buscard’ for young people, similar to a ‘Railcard’.
