The concern was raised at a British Youth Council (BYC) event in London this month, where around 100 young people were consulted on the government’s flagship youth programme.
The coalition hopes around 10,000 16-year-olds will attend a seven- to eight-week programme of summer residentials next year and deliver social action projects in their communities. But ministers have recently reduced funding to key youth programmes such as the Youth Capital Fund, which paid for facilities chosen by young people. The ringfence has also been removed from the Youth Opportunity Fund, which paid for local projects developed by young people.
"Young people, especially local youth council representatives, are worried about future funding for volunteering and youth empowerment services," said BYC chair Alex Delaney. "While they see the appeal of the [National Citizen Service] initiative they are worried that other similar schemes may be cut back."
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