A spokeswoman for the assembly government confirmed that Jane Davidson, Wales' minister for education and lifelong learning, met representatives of the agency last week. "The minister discussed the agency's response and has promised it a final decision next week," she said.
The agency was given the opportunity to respond to the assembly government's plans, which are to stop funding the agency and set up a youth support team within its youth and pupil participation division, but critics say there is a lack of genuine consultation.
Welsh opposition party Plaid Cymru supports First Minister Rhodri Morgan's plans to reduce the number of quangos and other public bodies the assembly government funds, but objects to the consultation process. A party spokesman said: "The First Minister gave in to our campaign (to reduce the number of quangos), but what he has done is say, 'we are going to get rid of you but we will consult after the decision'."
Plaid Cymru's shadow education minister, Janet Ryder, said: "If the agency comes in-house, we need to ensure that the activities it undertakes to help youth workers are supported."
Youth work organisations have criticised the assembly government for only consulting with the agency, not the wider Welsh youth work field.
The assembly government insists it has held meetings with the sector and has received much support.
- www.wales.gov.uk.
