Editorial: Next steps needs local action to back it up

Subtitled "Something to do, somewhere to go, someone to talk to", the document outlines how authorities should use children's trusts to put in place comprehensive youth support services; information, advice and guidance; and targeted support by 2008. It says the Government is spending 1.6bn in 2005-06 on "services and opportunities" and is backing Youth Matters with 200m over two years to "transform the lives of every young person in the country through a reshaping of provision".

The addition of "someone to talk to" to the "something to do" and "somewhere to go" of the first document could be an acknowledgement of the role the youth sector can play in adding value to the activities-based approach of opportunity cards. And it is encouraging that this is followed by a commitment that "youth work skills will be central to engaging young people".