CYP Now - Labour pledges new protections for youth work to counter decade of cuts

Many parts of the UK no longer have a "recognisable" youth service thanks to nearly a decade of cuts to local authority funding, the Labour Party has said.

Shadow minister for voter engagement and youth affairs Cat Smith said the loss of youth work in communities has had a "devastating impact on young lives" resulting in chronic levels of loneliness, mental health issues and rising knife crime.

Speaking at the General Federation of Trade Unions' general council meeting earlier this week, the MP for Lancaster and Fleetwood set out Labour's vision for rebuilding youth services if it wins the next election.

"Young people have lost role models - someone who can build their aspirations and empower them to recognise their strengths, and divert them away from harm.

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