The Department for Education and Skills (DfES) is evaluating which of nearly 60 local authorities that have applied will pilot the cards from April 2006. Eight local authorities will get a total of about 30m for the pilots, entitling young people to credits and discounts for activities.
If the scheme is rolled out nationally, the DfES estimates it will cost between 49m and 59.9m a year.
Every young person in England - 2,627,000 - will initially receive 12 on the card, but socially excluded young people will get a monthly top-up of about the same amount.
Speaking exclusively to Young People Now, youth minister Beverley Hughes said: "In the Youth Matters responses, some young people were very clear that all young people should get the top-up, not just the excluded. But if it was universal, the amount young people get would be much less."
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here
