Funding resolution needs consensus

Crippled by debt, local authorities are desperately trying to find savings anywhere they can, leaving those services that they don't have a legal requirement to deliver the most vulnerable to cutbacks.

This is nothing new. Time and again youth work has found itself at the front of the line for cuts when the economy falters or when local or national politicians decide investing in out-of-school activities for young people is no longer a priority. The lack of legislation to protect youth work affects both council-run and voluntary sector youth services and, ultimately, the young people whom they serve. In Birmingham, the city council's decision to cut spending has led to the withdrawal of an £800,000 grant for voluntary youth groups. The loss of the grant threatens the future of some of the region's most successful projects, including the highly respected Young Disciples project.

Youth work unions Unison and Unite have reignited calls to make youth services a statutory requirement. Such a move could create more stability and protect youth work in times of political change. However, it would do little to address the perennial short-term funding problems the voluntary sector faces. It requires a system where projects with a strong track record are able to receive longer-term funding.

The voluntary and statutory sectors need to come together and reach a consensus on the best way to fund youth work in the future. Without an agreement, there is little hope of making a viable case to the politicians.

Andy Hillier, editor, Youth Work Now, andy.hillier@haymarket.com.