Election 2017 Party Policy Guide: Youth policy and youth justice

Conservatives

Labour

Liberal Democrats

Commentary

Although Labour provides possibly the most significant pledge relating to youth services  - to prevent cuts to youth centres - it provides no details on how this will be achieved in light of the fact that councils have the power over funding at a local level, with many making cutbacks in order to save other services.

Despite the fact that Jeremy Corbyn had previously pledged to pursue statutory youth services when he ran to become leader, the 2017 manifesto does not go as far as making this a firm commitment.

In the Conservative manifesto, youth policy does not extend far beyond providing targeted employment support for 18- to 24-year-olds.

In terms of youth justice, the party pledges to reduce the disproportionate use of force against black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) young offenders.

The Howard League for Penal reform says any effort to reduce the use of force against BAME children should also look at why so many end up in custody in the first place.