Talking Point: How will young people be affected by the spending review?

Thanks to the spending cuts revealed last week in the government's comprehensive spending review (CSR), and cuts to area-based grants earlier this year, youth services across the country are facing incredibly challenging times. A CYP Now survey of more than 130 youth charities carried out this month, showed that 82 per cent are slashing youth projects due to scarcity of funds. The future looks undoubtedly bleak for youth services. How do young people feel about the cuts being announced in the CSR?

Start a discussion about the CSR and the cuts to youth services. Talk about how young people might be affected when funding is reduced. How important are youth services to young people? Consider the other public services that are also facing cuts. Are youth services seen as less important? Ask young people how they would decide which services are more deserving of money. What services would they cut and why?